tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58241706499502742652024-03-13T02:18:30.202-07:00Hazuki Dojojigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-43330098708957821452023-03-15T14:44:00.000-07:002023-03-15T14:44:23.413-07:00YSL 15/03/23 - Gary Lineker: It's not a culture war, it's a class war<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWPXioG4iRlXvgXQzKdMUJ6xM-NnM68gQv1r-2LUvIF0ldY3u6ZEnwU7HD6ixMBYIC8UtsEOrnJQHmn7nB7t_znNpUbiWTvaAWVBhuY225u-ljvh3L6XS69DGK-YsOIh-F9XLYkwHlCnGVDLkBfUUI6SRM3fEuse0Ko_4VwHIp3s29hZF90HEtMGY/s589/hd-ysl230315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWPXioG4iRlXvgXQzKdMUJ6xM-NnM68gQv1r-2LUvIF0ldY3u6ZEnwU7HD6ixMBYIC8UtsEOrnJQHmn7nB7t_znNpUbiWTvaAWVBhuY225u-ljvh3L6XS69DGK-YsOIh-F9XLYkwHlCnGVDLkBfUUI6SRM3fEuse0Ko_4VwHIp3s29hZF90HEtMGY/w160-h200/hd-ysl230315.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>I have been feeling a little below par the last week. A concerned friend of Germanic extraction told me to take the time off as other people would care only for themselves and not others. She's probably right about that in a fundamental sense but I've mostly just continued working because I've known in my heart I was up to it. To palm off my responsibilities on others when I'm capable myself would simply not be fair. I believe, as does Charles C.W. Cooke that one of the fundamental values held by British people is an unerring sense of fairness. <p></p><p>I think the public views the Gary Lineker story through the lens of fairness. I think in the long term that bodes ill for both him and the BBC. What's fair and what's good and principled do not always line up but what's fair is usually right and necessarily just. What's just is to understand that when people talk about the culture war, what's really happening more and more is a class war.</p><p>Before talking more about what's right and what's fair, let's talk about the facts after the jump.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Full disclosure; I've never cared much for Gary Lineker. I was not an England fan growing up and he never played for a club I supported. He was groomed to replace Des Lynam as the anchor for the BBC's football coverage around twenty years ago but I always though him a lightweight compared to the old hands of the day including Lynam, Bob Wilson and Brian Moore. As time passed and he became established in his role I came to view him as smug and slimy, even before he expanded his brief beyond football. The apotheosis of his slide into true gitdom came in 2016 when he made a bet to present Match of the Day in his underwear if his beloved Leicester City won the premier league. He did... for all of about a minute until he dressed back up after the opening title theme. Clearly a welch and it sums up the quality of the man. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCgBJmjvgsu6wTjtVM8AFHJXuERx7QYgJ_3KMbTPbayxZ_zxg2Po-Phuo3Wi_8CGVDuJzUtMfoovtyxZcxWMpRiMwFCHuf-EQ4Fgx-odUgEIdPUjgJviyhsVTHCDjnQV0bimsDRA63JcFSuagmKSaNaSDqLfyFZJYrDAfQ2lf2Za0JZlhN2NmVzy1/s1024/hd-ysl230315-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCgBJmjvgsu6wTjtVM8AFHJXuERx7QYgJ_3KMbTPbayxZ_zxg2Po-Phuo3Wi_8CGVDuJzUtMfoovtyxZcxWMpRiMwFCHuf-EQ4Fgx-odUgEIdPUjgJviyhsVTHCDjnQV0bimsDRA63JcFSuagmKSaNaSDqLfyFZJYrDAfQ2lf2Za0JZlhN2NmVzy1/w200-h200/hd-ysl230315-02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One of the issues bedeviling the government has been small boat crossings of illegal migrants from France. As part of their strategy for dealing with it, Home Secretary Suella Braverman unveiled the policy in the Commons and early last week Gary Lineker, a frequent and vocal critic of the Conservative majority in Parliament saw fit to liken her speech to rhetoric heard in 1930's Germany on his public Twitter account.<p></p><p>Now, I've seen a gaslighting propagandist (Alastair Campbell) claim that Lineker "did not compare" the speech to Nazi Germany, he merely said the language used was reminiscent.. So much of this entire ridiculous story rests on technicalities. My goal here is to cut through the bullshit. The only reason you bring up Nazi Germany if you're Gary Lineker is you want to compare Tories to Nazis. There are legitimate criticisms to be made of any policy, no legislation will ever satisfy everyone and every principle - that's not the route he chose to take.</p><p>A number of Conservative MPs, including Commons leader and ERG stalwart Penny Mordaunt. understandably incensed by the inference used their own platforms to hit back at Lineker who hosts Match of the Day and other shows on the BBC. Some noted that the BBC is taxpayer funded and has obligations of impartiality including a code of conduct for presenters.</p><p>Following heated discussion and pressure, Lineker "stepped back" ie was suspended from his duties on Match of the Day on Friday, the presumed rationale having breached said code of conduct. The row over this is the story being reported and argued over. I think it's totally irrelevant, a distraction. Lineker has been social media lightning rod for long enough that in 2021 when his contract was reworked it was reported that he had agreed to lower his profile in that regard. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzEIbXNDLjj611_o5DaMBuZaMY7QIkEvdPZxXIJiCaJbX31_s8tAwa3Pv5XgNgo-Pr2Ej1OjW-aR6glcyYG2O6DJcrngCay4uh6InmZew7JGMd6lmL57PNrVO7UIkxIyHQ98zZIlqm1Ni4gk8OAzDis-6Mvq2IHODeoS0NF4EhgwTbNob_BaDcU4Q/s1080/hd-ysl230315-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzEIbXNDLjj611_o5DaMBuZaMY7QIkEvdPZxXIJiCaJbX31_s8tAwa3Pv5XgNgo-Pr2Ej1OjW-aR6glcyYG2O6DJcrngCay4uh6InmZew7JGMd6lmL57PNrVO7UIkxIyHQ98zZIlqm1Ni4gk8OAzDis-6Mvq2IHODeoS0NF4EhgwTbNob_BaDcU4Q/w200-h113/hd-ysl230315-03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Many argue that the code of conduct applies to news presenters, not sports presenters. Some preposterously make the case that Lineker is an independent contractor and thus not subject to any BBC rules - this may *technically* be true but is obviously complete horse crap because he is the face of their football coverage and their highest earner. Some complain that other BBC talent past and present such as Andrew Neil and Alan Sugar have apparently made political statements without censure which is irrelevant to the matter at hand. <p></p><p>The only thing that really matters for the purposes of his suspension is what is in Lineker's contract - if his use of social media breaches the terms in that renegotiated deal then that's his problem. I honestly don't know but my guess would be it's vague enough that the kind of lawyer he could afford to have would get him clear. Indeed as of today, BBC brass have backtracked and Lineker will return to air next weekend. For all intents and purposes, he has been vindicated. It is a shattering victory for him and those who agree with him, but not for free speech or fair play.</p><p>A common line of attack used by his supporters and political allies has been the suggestion that Lineker would not have faced repercussions if he had tweeted in support of the government's policies. But once again, this is total crap and sidesteps the fault, the failure in the system. Someone who was outspoken enough to support conservative policies would never rise in our current age to the position within the BBC or nearly any other mainstream media organization that Lineker has. Everyone knows this - they would never survive the scrutiny or the pressure campaigns that would be launched to dislodge them. This game is rigged.</p><p>On principle, Lineker can say whatever he likes. But most of the people framing this as a free speech issue have no idea what that even means. That's the case with the Labour Party who have smelled the political fight and thrown their weight behind him at the same time they support expanding hate crime laws and online censorship. They suspended former leader Jeremy Corbyn for among other transgressions, minimizing the Holocaust which Lineker arguably also did by invoking Nazi Germany to attack his political enemy who is a second generation immigrant to boot.</p><p>The BBC continues to be funded in large part by the license fee, an avaricious and extortionate tax by any other name. Watching traditional tv without a license remains a criminal offense and while the use of streaming services has spread and is not covered by the tax, it is still more common for especially older and poorer citizens to consume traditional tv. Every time Lineker rants about politically divisive issues, he does so from a platform built on the backs of the working class. The public is forced to pay, on pain of imprisonment, for this entitled millionaire to insult them.</p><p>This part is easy - end the license fee. Some believe the soft power generated for the UK by the BBC world services is worth the expense. If it's that worth it, the money can be found in others ways than this immoral tax. Match of the Day is not watched outside this country - an inordinate amount of money is misappropriated on football rights and coverage. As with almost every public service, poor administrative choices abound and the wrong priorities are being pursued. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ68Fu0NUOLlypg1Rbs28oppoCLQHtjxnbPtQtO-AayqI7v6-4hNYuUxY9VuJVhmgPmb0fK3JWxMS334ul3qrktHhcsizC0H_ODtTOpwzow-Am59LJH1uQSXpEDVqU8SJWLHfcMr8ipqJ9PY5lRsn2mBu_QbEVJO-RVvzx5GifXdvfk0p2ihN84apA/s1080/hd-ysl230315-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ68Fu0NUOLlypg1Rbs28oppoCLQHtjxnbPtQtO-AayqI7v6-4hNYuUxY9VuJVhmgPmb0fK3JWxMS334ul3qrktHhcsizC0H_ODtTOpwzow-Am59LJH1uQSXpEDVqU8SJWLHfcMr8ipqJ9PY5lRsn2mBu_QbEVJO-RVvzx5GifXdvfk0p2ihN84apA/w200-h113/hd-ysl230315-04.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When it comes to Lineker, he has a big name but is no one special, he is just one of many as was proven by the "solidarity" of almost every other on-air personality sitting out in protest over his suspension. LBC radio host James O'Brien blasted that most BBC staff were on Lineker's - as though this is news to anyone. In the urban centers that the BBC sports coverage concentrates around, the circles are tight and the groupthink is strong. Perhaps it would be a good idea for employees to be able to tweet and post freely - the veil of impartiality the BBC tries to hide behind would well and truly be destroyed, exposing for any gullible members of the public the left-wing hivemind we know lies within. <p></p><p>The type of people that Lineker, Ian Wright, Alex Scott and other wealthy celebrities associate all tend to share the same view of the world, particularly regarding immigration. Lineker's professed concern over the plight of refugees smacks of a guilty conscience, a man who well knows his wealth outstrips the value of his work. When pressed on his own lac of charity, he finally took one (1) refugee into his own home, a fellow so handpicked for the occasion it felt as though he'd been through a reality show.</p><p>But let's get real; when these people talk about refugees, it's a smokescreen. What they want is freedom of movement. Most of the people crossing by small boat are Albanian in origin, economic migrants. In the cities and closed communities Lineker, his fellow celebrities and their college-educated professional neighbors reside in, the immigrants are of a similar class, educated and erudite, socially engaged and cultured, or at the very least smart enough to know to be extra polite to the most influential and activist minded in society. </p><p>On the outskirts? Sorry, different story. Setting aside the reality as a former US President once said, they're not sending their best, there are too far many. You'll often hear about how we're not building enough homes in this country. I was looking a t a photo recently of the area where I work. Where once there was a car park, rows of shops, a Jaguar dealership, garages ad other businesses, everything has been replaced with high-rise apartments. The same fate will probably befall the building I currently work in. It's not about housing; there is an unsustainable level if migration.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax_mWvoT1hbpSfhfb18LJUBUGXo6PnTqowGfrzj8e_gM-UF3Fdfq_EjEnw7NslGjZ9CdsbvINaiyqSCdEeab17D8rvUuEO4ZZK6SlTf00UuyHxruyKnvJVb0ofDEzU3ZOOmrAu1yxr1HkLVjLFcqSE_NG14_GwFo0YmHWRetDd2iyWuJUhr8CUmba/s713/hd-ysl230315-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="713" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax_mWvoT1hbpSfhfb18LJUBUGXo6PnTqowGfrzj8e_gM-UF3Fdfq_EjEnw7NslGjZ9CdsbvINaiyqSCdEeab17D8rvUuEO4ZZK6SlTf00UuyHxruyKnvJVb0ofDEzU3ZOOmrAu1yxr1HkLVjLFcqSE_NG14_GwFo0YmHWRetDd2iyWuJUhr8CUmba/w200-h116/hd-ysl230315-05.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The character of towns up and down the country is being changed. it's not for me to judge whether it's for the better or worse I know it feels unjust for illegal migrants and questionable asylum seekers to jump the queue ahead of legal immigrants who've followed a process. It will feel unjust to many for foreign workers to be hired under the table on the cheap. It is unjust for authorities to throw local teachers and children under the bus to placate Islamic zealots. <p></p><p>None of these societal problems are felt by the likes of Lineker and his ilk. While regular folk toil away in a collapsing economy, the luvvies keep busy patting each other on the back online congratulating themselves for being compassionate and enlightened while shaking their heads in disgust at how stupid and racist their selfish, lazy Little Englander compatriots are, an underclass worthy of nothing but contempt who will die out, fade away and be replaced.</p><p>If any of these privileged, entitled elites had the compassion they accuse others of lacking, if they genuinely cared about human rights they would followed Five live commentator Alan Green's lead in boycotting the Russia and Qatar World Cups. But no, they were all there, happy to virtue signal from the safety of their diplomatic shields while enjoying the sunshine and perks. If they really cared, they'd be more proactive in speaking out in favour of Ukrainian war refugees, women and children bombed out of house and home who are pushed to the back of the line by asylum seekers from decidedly less verifiable danger. But it's a lot less easy to call the hoi polloi bigots when the aid recipients are white Christians.</p><p>The BBC, as represented by Lineker and his supporters, is emblematic of that world view. They are hopelessly out of touch as an organizational whole with the working class in this country and if, as discussed, the social media policies enforcing impartiality guidelines will be reviewed and repealed, the drift will grow greater and faster. For my part, I have not watched Match of the Day in the some time and will never watch again as long as Lineker is involved - there are other, less aggravating ways of finding football highlights. </p><p>But that's not a position that will hold in the long term. We've seen the ground recede beneath us over time and no outlet is safe from these racketeers. Our sports and past times have been hijacked by total idiots. Just in the last week, Colin Kaepernick has emerged once more, the boil on the ass of the NFL that just refuses to recede. He infected the world of sports with the malign cult of Black Lives Matter which the premier League embraced - and subsequently pretended not to have. When racists and trolls in Spain target black footballers for abuse, brainless pundits in Anglo media insist on lecturing English fans as though we are the ones at fault - because to them, we're all the same, a stupid punter who needs to be educated.</p><p>Gary Lineker and the overclass have shown nothing but contempt for regular fans. You could call it a territorial dispute, I would call it a hostile takeover. HHe may have won this battle but he can't be allowed to win the war, our culture, our right to our own opinions depends on it.. I think there are only two options; either Lineker must be forced to apologize to those he continuously insults ore he must be forced off our screens. Either weay, it starts with turning out the lights at the BBC.</p><p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-75863406626658477922023-02-26T07:24:00.001-08:002023-02-26T07:24:51.405-08:002022 - The Year in Books (that I've read)<p> I hadn't been reading much in the past years for various reasons but the online political commrntator Liz Wheeler had a good suggestion; she sets herself a target of reading thirty books in a year so I decided to adopt the same goal which ironically necessitated quitting keeping up with ehr show. I have a huge pile of unread books that I own and which I periodically add to so I thought I would start there - some of these are older and some are not even the type I would collect today but I will declare it good to expand your universe of literary knowledge. </p><p>I just about scraped over the line with thirty. After a fast start I limped to the end as I was out of country for a few weeks in the middle of the year which broke my routine and I failed to make enough time. We'll see what we can accomplish next year - There a few other things I need to take care of first before sitting down and dedicating myself to reading again but the shleves here in the dojo have already been repopulated as you can see below...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmhty_EUwwhu6AX7j4V6c4jKFUedewIEjccYmlCi5rQJwyc6FsIo1gaWyolO7ErQVsxIqkDF3K6H08FGkKcXCE78GBuwzWVWG2ywuldtmwWcrLyt8CDCqjThx4EzKxtFYMmDe2e9fYdg2Djy2rrvEi5QG9aiSV7d2P-eQ8nWu6UyWuJp3Kqi-F3mQ/s1090/rr22-00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1090" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmhty_EUwwhu6AX7j4V6c4jKFUedewIEjccYmlCi5rQJwyc6FsIo1gaWyolO7ErQVsxIqkDF3K6H08FGkKcXCE78GBuwzWVWG2ywuldtmwWcrLyt8CDCqjThx4EzKxtFYMmDe2e9fYdg2Djy2rrvEi5QG9aiSV7d2P-eQ8nWu6UyWuJp3Kqi-F3mQ/w200-h177/rr22-00.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>The thirty books I read and some brief thoughts on each after the jump.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0EFz6EhULgvmJI8R3vHbbagOhYu_eMlxNVMR94kj68MzIdJq6TYlbIpztePUQkBMS3ssW36isOgBzM2SJAFB4rr3VRRpx8UcZDPlKxyVkHYsk5rvP3iQpqM5rUrlsXSoluM_WqP3c6VkKD43NOorKTr7HSJM9EiT7_FTKABemlP6ge2sTm34mz_l/s901/rr22-01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0EFz6EhULgvmJI8R3vHbbagOhYu_eMlxNVMR94kj68MzIdJq6TYlbIpztePUQkBMS3ssW36isOgBzM2SJAFB4rr3VRRpx8UcZDPlKxyVkHYsk5rvP3iQpqM5rUrlsXSoluM_WqP3c6VkKD43NOorKTr7HSJM9EiT7_FTKABemlP6ge2sTm34mz_l/w150-h200/rr22-01.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div>1) <b>The Business</b> by<i> Iain Banks</i> (1999) - <span style="color: #38761d;">B</span></div><p></p><p>This was a decent story but one that never truly rose above diverting. Kathryn Telman (who I pictured in my head as resembling Penny Mordaunt when she was first elected to parliament) is a junior executive in a shadowy NGO known as "The Business" which has interests and investments in all corners of the globe going back centuries. She happens upon and begins to unravel a conspiracy that ultimately is not so unbelievable but perhaps a little underwhelming as a result for the high concept setting. I thought the ending was fairly satisfactory though - it made a kind of sense, at least to me.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97hmpKxh6plSTlE4i4S6NNB_8_mrS9Mv7A3dLQKU65d0HsZc7lam5cxnzw1L_8XmozsXBvdi8cxJ4YSZxLbbKdvMWK12gXfrRvGsuGeiYeD9Vu7tQlfWvau5yRjJd3Ng4uB5lEOWeZ-lg7phF0lRZkJakETYFWSkf8f-sEYEZfFj8th5zN-Uvhb-y/s901/rr22-02.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97hmpKxh6plSTlE4i4S6NNB_8_mrS9Mv7A3dLQKU65d0HsZc7lam5cxnzw1L_8XmozsXBvdi8cxJ4YSZxLbbKdvMWK12gXfrRvGsuGeiYeD9Vu7tQlfWvau5yRjJd3Ng4uB5lEOWeZ-lg7phF0lRZkJakETYFWSkf8f-sEYEZfFj8th5zN-Uvhb-y/w150-h200/rr22-02.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2) <b>Next Man Up</b> by <i>John Feinstein</i> (2005) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>Feinstein writes about his season covering the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. Most of the kinds of stories he tells will be familiar to veteran NFL fans especially given the proliferation of sports media online. I find the format used here and a few other football books I've read of one chapter = one game does not flow quite so well from a narrative perspective but it's still an interesting insight. One amusing aspect is I get the sense Feinstein did not think too much of the famously braggadocios then head coach Brian Billick who was never quite able to recapture the magic of the Super Bowl winning season of 2000 and after being fired following the 2007 season, never landed another NFL job.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVLZ1vtRs821Lu09Rr3vRlquz3FICAwld2OeokiJI-Gt4AR36OzmV_8xn19m-zR80LLUOX60EhahRc0FJsuhc0W5yPVfGEsdGlgyiO6V6rVY1h5LveZmirHrj4qD7DiRza-p5tL-bft08BYOPPaENgi--eIJqJVR6B6KQULuNaOdbVFs-M0gmE0Pu/s901/rr22-03.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVLZ1vtRs821Lu09Rr3vRlquz3FICAwld2OeokiJI-Gt4AR36OzmV_8xn19m-zR80LLUOX60EhahRc0FJsuhc0W5yPVfGEsdGlgyiO6V6rVY1h5LveZmirHrj4qD7DiRza-p5tL-bft08BYOPPaENgi--eIJqJVR6B6KQULuNaOdbVFs-M0gmE0Pu/w150-h200/rr22-03.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>3) <b>The Fresco</b> by <i>Sherri S. Tepper</i> (2000) - <span style="color: red;">D</span><p></p><p>This book was given (loaned?) to me several years ago by someone as an example of a radical feminist author and oh boy, it comes across. I'm told at some point previously Tepper wasn't quite this bad but this is not a great book. It started well with artful, evocative prose and a great concept but the left-wing politics are extremely heavy handed as various hostile alien races land on Earth having decided to conquer the planet and either enslave the inhabitants or consume them whole, spearheaded by the most dangerous tribe of them all - Republicans, including a villainous character possibly based on real-life philandering senator Pete Domenici. Screeds against the lumber industry, pro-lifers and organized religion are also inserted in a mess that held so much potential.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBhKQm3O1NkVLrFed8a4lUABrU6B0FZ12Ya0wjLFc_5NxcH9mxsTVliaITRRkDRLb6ragqx4FbKy4Xr1xaU5V5QeidcWY5WDURrqq9n73Rogvm94x-IAeKk4oIC1gd8vuMRWeRR8yUK4t9DJFBgCptj5V_IljYw1dJTbZ-0oiRn7MjkR12FZx5CkL/s901/rr22-04.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBhKQm3O1NkVLrFed8a4lUABrU6B0FZ12Ya0wjLFc_5NxcH9mxsTVliaITRRkDRLb6ragqx4FbKy4Xr1xaU5V5QeidcWY5WDURrqq9n73Rogvm94x-IAeKk4oIC1gd8vuMRWeRR8yUK4t9DJFBgCptj5V_IljYw1dJTbZ-0oiRn7MjkR12FZx5CkL/w150-h200/rr22-04.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>4) <b>The Mammoth Book of Native Americans</b> edited by <i>Jon E. Lewis</i> (2004) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>The structure of this compendium is not so well organized and it largely ends up focusing on interactions between natives and settlers and colonialists where the typical academic agenda is brought to bear in guiding the accounts chosen. In that way it gives short shrift to both the rich untold history of the native tribes and the pioneers attempting to tame a wild and hostile environment. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGkUUxtslAcMV8FhHKmQqm8KfK5yrd8yW6dHPZNd_Ks3nqiu6lL3KDP8Ysn31iKgmLNS-eqiTKK47zW-m6leaqJpCGFIYRt7t-CocGHUOo1nW0LbbahIyTuHB5hQkMYO28zkLwHc5FtXenUGf0FnCxbbtEXG0uWCpoP2SfvNOJIleYr7nzlHnu0Ak/s901/rr22-05.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGkUUxtslAcMV8FhHKmQqm8KfK5yrd8yW6dHPZNd_Ks3nqiu6lL3KDP8Ysn31iKgmLNS-eqiTKK47zW-m6leaqJpCGFIYRt7t-CocGHUOo1nW0LbbahIyTuHB5hQkMYO28zkLwHc5FtXenUGf0FnCxbbtEXG0uWCpoP2SfvNOJIleYr7nzlHnu0Ak/w150-h200/rr22-05.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>5) <b>Joss Whedon The Complete Companion</b> edited by <i>Mary Alice Money</i> (2012) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>This is a collection of essays written on various works of Joss Whedon - pre his cancellation of course as this was released over ten years ago. It's a mixed bag - along with reviving for me memories of some of the finest and most impactful television I've watched, there are also attempt to polish various turds including late stage <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i> and <i>Dollhouse</i>. Inevitably there are also pieces written by the usual post-modernist intersectional deconstructionists that had me rolling my eyes - this will be for hardcore Whedonites only, if there are any left.,</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOVFzqWwXPxkIJCmhBmb8-oDZEXiXr_ltxSZCCIXkciqevoZLFzrmUQJvW7K7SFKbaCPkX2yWFFjz7QfMMP9lyN_iLZYlkq0rgQpbm5ldWUhjntxU2MVE86b6h0AC3JJ6jxVKmiOk3Bj5lbK8jiLRyT51vt0uLJu1kteyG77fQneFinsDaX3E6mt3/s901/rr22-06.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOVFzqWwXPxkIJCmhBmb8-oDZEXiXr_ltxSZCCIXkciqevoZLFzrmUQJvW7K7SFKbaCPkX2yWFFjz7QfMMP9lyN_iLZYlkq0rgQpbm5ldWUhjntxU2MVE86b6h0AC3JJ6jxVKmiOk3Bj5lbK8jiLRyT51vt0uLJu1kteyG77fQneFinsDaX3E6mt3/w150-h200/rr22-06.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>6) <b>The Lady Elizabeth</b> by <i>Alison Weir</i> (2008) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>Weir is one of the finer historians and she ends up writing this novel, based on the life of a young Elizabeth Tudor before she becomes Queen Elizabeth I, rather in the style of a history textbook a events are referenced and dealt with almost as though they are on a checklist. As someone interested in history just generally, I still found it an entertaining and informative read but it would not be mistaken for a classic of fiction.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsRYnIdXG3g3vJ9G5MhCXl2ORYfiF8V4T5PxvB7VyegZSPBu-PtmXes0XqJt2M03hgrRYTpRxVZ8rXtN21A74qIvtqFCKrFodQQF0TK3HhLH1fWawOGZT0Gt8M3Ue75-NYIdEgZeaRoqF82p7utIDZddknoPdZnZeONn5BLBQF6mP2KB0EtsJCycn/s901/rr22-07.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsRYnIdXG3g3vJ9G5MhCXl2ORYfiF8V4T5PxvB7VyegZSPBu-PtmXes0XqJt2M03hgrRYTpRxVZ8rXtN21A74qIvtqFCKrFodQQF0TK3HhLH1fWawOGZT0Gt8M3Ue75-NYIdEgZeaRoqF82p7utIDZddknoPdZnZeONn5BLBQF6mP2KB0EtsJCycn/w150-h200/rr22-07.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>7) <b>The Other Queen</b> by <i>Philippa Gregory</i> (2008) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B</span><p></p><p>The other Queen would be mary Queen of Scots, serving me as a sequel of sorts to the lady Elizabeth. Gregory adopts the trope of chapters written from a core of different perspectives and uses it effectively as Mary works her wiles in her attempts to escape her internment in England and return to her throne. It's not as breezy a read as <i>The Lady Elizabeth</i> but perhaps better conceived and constructed.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1I8snEZ--6Eh3-JqdnhqLNrINqAEgNVCMNs9jBBBnQI52JxmsDobZ0U_nW8-vMnos8Yu3IRAu_kD8zSqpg1goRb_XyQ0nbWWPCc-jaD3Qh2RENb2ucokMP61iPY0TDWbQZkRSlx2tJkZx65M5H4zhizeWluC90M3Z0CbE-tNUwsnRxAodDIp5z5o/s901/rr22-08.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1I8snEZ--6Eh3-JqdnhqLNrINqAEgNVCMNs9jBBBnQI52JxmsDobZ0U_nW8-vMnos8Yu3IRAu_kD8zSqpg1goRb_XyQ0nbWWPCc-jaD3Qh2RENb2ucokMP61iPY0TDWbQZkRSlx2tJkZx65M5H4zhizeWluC90M3Z0CbE-tNUwsnRxAodDIp5z5o/w150-h200/rr22-08.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>8) <b>A Thoroughly Unhelpful History of Australian Sports</b> by <i>Titus O'Reily</i> (2017) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>O'Reily dedicates a chapter to each of manyvarious sports and pastimes of note in Australia including the big five of Rugby Union, Rugby league, Soccer, Cricket and Aussie Rules. It's a fun and light primer for non-Australians although MMA is conspicuously absent - even though the likes of Mark Hunt and Robert Whittaker were already established and Holly Holm had knocked out Ronda Rousey in Melbourne.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGGdG7NpcVdZnfIuXrrc58vcdeiahoon2hcWhC3VhaZCadfnt7V66tBw7A4sOYgj47Z2Pw1isYnyhA038WqVsREFs2mmsj24ZCvff4wwcIiHu0qtifR56GyiY17Y9w9-TRgM-empdBThCwUGXDVRIDvRhqqsTxHxjX3z6SGpVCEJo7N0A0VJtK6Dd/s901/rr22-09.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGGdG7NpcVdZnfIuXrrc58vcdeiahoon2hcWhC3VhaZCadfnt7V66tBw7A4sOYgj47Z2Pw1isYnyhA038WqVsREFs2mmsj24ZCvff4wwcIiHu0qtifR56GyiY17Y9w9-TRgM-empdBThCwUGXDVRIDvRhqqsTxHxjX3z6SGpVCEJo7N0A0VJtK6Dd/w150-h200/rr22-09.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>9) <b>Festival of Death</b> by <i>Jonathan Morris</i> (2000) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B</span><p></p><p>Morris writes a short novel about Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor which you could easily envision on screen - indeed he credits himself with pioneering the "timey-wimey" devices that would become a staple of the modern television series as the Doctor returns to the same place multiple times out of sequence. His companion for this adventure is Romana, the forgotten Time Lord. I've always thought it a more than a mistake - a disrespectful waste by New Who to regenerate the Master and the Doctor into women when characters like Romana and the Rani existed, ready to be revived and reimagined.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hLpARZp-4uPRJ1HpQi373S-md9i1MOrB9EkC17VoTyff0_JXM8XWhU_ZXxm34IHw5ycq-fNen5zGGV3ThVz38JW5HFQzSnwAVU6FMY_6wR-UfMrUq1y1_K4MMAE6voM7sESIpYSz74mYAICwjuEW_9oZ0bYwkPJgmXkK8fJ7jBSZ9vcjElyn1Xv6/s901/rr22-10.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hLpARZp-4uPRJ1HpQi373S-md9i1MOrB9EkC17VoTyff0_JXM8XWhU_ZXxm34IHw5ycq-fNen5zGGV3ThVz38JW5HFQzSnwAVU6FMY_6wR-UfMrUq1y1_K4MMAE6voM7sESIpYSz74mYAICwjuEW_9oZ0bYwkPJgmXkK8fJ7jBSZ9vcjElyn1Xv6/w150-h200/rr22-10.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>10) <b>This Saint's For You</b> by <i>Thomas J. Craughwell</i> (2007) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C+</span><p></p><p>A collection of short stories about various patron saints in the Catholic faith, some historical, some apocryphal and some likely entirely fictional. Of particular note to me as someone less than familiar with most of the stories was Saint Vladimir, the warlord who founded Kievan Rus in what would become modern day Ukraine. Vladimir was shopping for an organized religion likely primarily for political reasons but also to serve as a basis for civil society. After rejecting Islam because he didn't want to give up alcohol and Judaism as he did not want to adhere to kosher rules, he chose Christianity and became one of its greatest and most diligent champions in the region.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QTFUt-Sl62HuXO_PAAnCC7cvDkTKks_ZS0VsFzzM2Xr-RmIYuCSBuK2MeDSvUwW2pi0Msor1HfgbgQ4jmdpx_hUi-WQM8kKjL2pexycKY9-LPl1mPijqmxHbwCi-mUqmkOJBjXTOGIJqWtRD5IpEeOgtr0HrzHEYDAYjvsLwej8a0jan3PqpvXgN/s901/rr22-11.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QTFUt-Sl62HuXO_PAAnCC7cvDkTKks_ZS0VsFzzM2Xr-RmIYuCSBuK2MeDSvUwW2pi0Msor1HfgbgQ4jmdpx_hUi-WQM8kKjL2pexycKY9-LPl1mPijqmxHbwCi-mUqmkOJBjXTOGIJqWtRD5IpEeOgtr0HrzHEYDAYjvsLwej8a0jan3PqpvXgN/w150-h200/rr22-11.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>11) <b>The Fault in our Stars</b> by <i>John Green</i> (2012) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C-</span><p></p><p>This of course became a very fine movie starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort and it's a quick read - I finished the book in a day. I guess it really was meant more for young adults than someone like me - I was not too impressed. I will say that as I read the book, although the main character of Hazel Grace is not religious, I got the distinct impression that the writer was indeed a believer in Christ - later confirmed as John Green is an Episcopalian Christian.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI4tDXmIN-m_CUko_EZO0RPTVBxbpwa7ezrbA49-Dg_BfNjFTHd8G-ZhfEXQncB49NkJHk8dgW81mdBJtIGj904vp4uaMPTz2Spk4XPmA7KaaA4YHr0LrWxJRUH1gIqI1-_n8xrQ0x4LE7CHZbYHgcR3VKQu40dQv5vpmjaxOyLKQONENqPQBqh3-/s901/rr22-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI4tDXmIN-m_CUko_EZO0RPTVBxbpwa7ezrbA49-Dg_BfNjFTHd8G-ZhfEXQncB49NkJHk8dgW81mdBJtIGj904vp4uaMPTz2Spk4XPmA7KaaA4YHr0LrWxJRUH1gIqI1-_n8xrQ0x4LE7CHZbYHgcR3VKQu40dQv5vpmjaxOyLKQONENqPQBqh3-/w150-h200/rr22-12.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>12) <b>Open</b> by <i>Andre Agassi</i> (2009) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>I used to listen to Colin Cowherd daily and he would frequently reference this book for the revelation that former tennis great Agassi was a crystal meth user for a short time during his career which blew his mind. It's an entertaining autobiography to read and Agassi has certainly had his share of adventures, dizzying heights and cratering lows but as much as he claims to take accountability for his own actions, there sure is a whole lot of passive buck passing, for instance in the way he implies his ex-wife Brooke Shields to be frivolous and uncommitted. But it's particularly notable in the way he talks about Pete Sampras who definitively came out on top of rivalry - while Agassi pretends to accept this he takes the sour grapiest swipe at him in relating the story of how Sampras apparently stiffed a valet on a tip. These kinds of cheap shots make "Open" a fun read but inherently unreliable. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX8IQUuCoYYWtPT_LJFYR56aYAoyKhJMslqg0BLxS3xz5Tz8ix1V4PRay2nppstAwtI98y2V5YdQ-N9Odv7kn0-LeZtl_ZP3EflEFDv-7v5DFPKDo8i5XbugZiB7_PsRTNkX0jupd9361AA1YXO-ulnq72vG8vVOSGFSZNeN11MKO4gDedeRstNBo/s901/rr22-13.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX8IQUuCoYYWtPT_LJFYR56aYAoyKhJMslqg0BLxS3xz5Tz8ix1V4PRay2nppstAwtI98y2V5YdQ-N9Odv7kn0-LeZtl_ZP3EflEFDv-7v5DFPKDo8i5XbugZiB7_PsRTNkX0jupd9361AA1YXO-ulnq72vG8vVOSGFSZNeN11MKO4gDedeRstNBo/w150-h200/rr22-13.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>13) <b>Before They Are Hanged</b> by <i>Joe Abercrombie</i> (2007) -<span style="color: #04ff00;"> B</span><p></p><p>This is the second book in the<i> First Law</i> trilogy, the first being <i>"The Blade Itself"</i>. It had been a few years since I read that book which had been recommended to me after reading the Song of Ice and Fire series. While <i>The Blade Itself</i> establishes the characters and setting, <i>Before They Are Hanged</i> unites the threads and sends them journeying. It's a good read, full of action and intrigue and the world is rich and professionally built. I will touch on some of the complaints I have with this series a little later but this is a solid entry, though I am at odds with the literary critics and fandom at large in not really feeling Glokta - as one of the plot strands revolves solely around him I am left liking but not loving two-thirds of the story.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0DQFTj-MA-3XhdVoCNF-QbQSigqs8Ewnw7_XFW01XKJzLXB8AVWfBlHsmcPEzYkZhAzM6n2fDS7Wot6-LTdKOKIxzGsPqQpnNNIPzRVcn_HPm8uM6ta5c1yJ_C5-tKTK3cUfL4qe2X69PL1YqyJUlMtM7fMdbjWPWdp2hvCmxBWdBRE0pV1nlrIP/s901/rr22-14.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0DQFTj-MA-3XhdVoCNF-QbQSigqs8Ewnw7_XFW01XKJzLXB8AVWfBlHsmcPEzYkZhAzM6n2fDS7Wot6-LTdKOKIxzGsPqQpnNNIPzRVcn_HPm8uM6ta5c1yJ_C5-tKTK3cUfL4qe2X69PL1YqyJUlMtM7fMdbjWPWdp2hvCmxBWdBRE0pV1nlrIP/w150-h200/rr22-14.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>14) <b>Hard Choices</b> by <i>Hillary Rodham Clinton</i> (2014) - <span style="color: red;">F</span><p></p><p>No joke, I found this book outside - someone had left it out for people to take like you'd leave an old fridge or sofa. It's probably the only way I would have got it because I wouldn't want any more of my hard earned money ending up in her pocket than needs to be. Hard Choices covers Clinton's time as Secretary of State in the Obama administration and was released in anticipation of her failed run for president in 2016. Not that many will admit it but it was apparently a commercial failure though that's not uncommon for this genre of political book. I stopped counting the lies and distortions after about two chapters as she careens from one international debacle to another passing them off as great applications of geopolitical realism - if her handling of the Arab Spring, Benghazi, the blind dissident and countless others are considered ideal preparation for the most powerful position in the world, it's no wonder neo-liberalism is increasingly seen as a big joke.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMVwNFWJFX3Rum0McDZHD1yzpSp7YJF8sMubeSsc_ufGa5IGQcCxZligQf29yo0fc6Kksjk0pzpvJtBmepEy0WL70LNTI_8vzzi2ZHPsDAh0vc1MzxENVNndvVF78LX5ClXfFMuxnCXkV5cy0SiEA_5fkXKHEmx2XKIXpql7j8XskUurenuCabGE1/s901/rr22-15.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMVwNFWJFX3Rum0McDZHD1yzpSp7YJF8sMubeSsc_ufGa5IGQcCxZligQf29yo0fc6Kksjk0pzpvJtBmepEy0WL70LNTI_8vzzi2ZHPsDAh0vc1MzxENVNndvVF78LX5ClXfFMuxnCXkV5cy0SiEA_5fkXKHEmx2XKIXpql7j8XskUurenuCabGE1/w150-h200/rr22-15.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>15) <b>First Meetings</b> by <i>Orson Scott Card</i> (2002) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>Although Card is largely shunned by the online literary community for his religious views and position on same sex marriage but there's no doubt that since writing<i> Ender's Game</i> in 1985 he has tinkered with and retconned the lore in ways that are designed to appeal to modern audiences and reflect the world we live in today. <i>"First Meetings" </i>then is a little bit of a throwback as it tells a series of short stories, a couple about the backgrounds of Ender Wiggins's parents, both coming from religious backgrounds in a familiar future where religion is cast as an archaic hindrance to progress. None of them really recapture the breathtaking depth of wonder of <i>Ender's Game</i> however, including the republished 1977 original story that would be reworked into his seminal novel.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPkTRHQbW98T-Fz4x2trxPZKbw8_TX481N7jUfNYCCZfhDCsrP2yytESD2H8vbDdjC2wQw4w3WiRkfKAfOG00BcAakzZqvmsFYqSR4-3VtdEQ0gg5CVQdPrnBh_er4gRugmM6KQQ-besBoEGcwx-UacKsmJ-MjJgd5p4Z58zMczYUTNindqmyHMKm/s901/rr22-16.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPkTRHQbW98T-Fz4x2trxPZKbw8_TX481N7jUfNYCCZfhDCsrP2yytESD2H8vbDdjC2wQw4w3WiRkfKAfOG00BcAakzZqvmsFYqSR4-3VtdEQ0gg5CVQdPrnBh_er4gRugmM6KQQ-besBoEGcwx-UacKsmJ-MjJgd5p4Z58zMczYUTNindqmyHMKm/w150-h200/rr22-16.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>16) <b>(If) I Did It </b>by <i>O.J. Simpson</i> (2006) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>It's kind of incredible that someone was able to convince OJ Simpson to allow a ghostwriter to pen this book which tells the story of how he (would have if it were actually him and not the real killers who he is still on the hunt for) murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her acquaintance Ron Goldman. The Goldman family sued to block the release and after a judgement awarded them the rights to the manuscript, they released it in this form as a written confession. Even at that, it's incredible to read Simpson's account playing down and trivializing the abuse he subjected Brown to. I talked about Hillary Clinton's "Hard Choices" being full of crap but that is mostly a lot of standard aloof, elitist political BS. <i>"(If) I Did It"</i> is full of malicious lies intended to deceive, equivocate and justify a brutal, premeditated murder and that makes it a tough read that doesn't leave you feeling great about the state of the world. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpsBrR9WnDEEU_A9TTJ5iLkm1Qhe3Cb1oBapOBGwp9wfYnyjo23Y81j_h9YCCU-63LXkBsONjQEjyliqKHgiBmsr91TSwokJ9R6KHnYEgdWJx3OsVwoGaBT5I-akhhGoMPLS1rUbXKAF-pAG3k1WArK2yMLrrt_Umh7lkmSwaFgvzlU8Eyq2KhZg2/s901/rr22-17.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpsBrR9WnDEEU_A9TTJ5iLkm1Qhe3Cb1oBapOBGwp9wfYnyjo23Y81j_h9YCCU-63LXkBsONjQEjyliqKHgiBmsr91TSwokJ9R6KHnYEgdWJx3OsVwoGaBT5I-akhhGoMPLS1rUbXKAF-pAG3k1WArK2yMLrrt_Umh7lkmSwaFgvzlU8Eyq2KhZg2/w150-h200/rr22-17.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>17) <b>The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer</b> by <i>Jennifer Lynch</i> (1990) - <span style="color: red;">F</span><p></p><p>I never watched <i>Twin Peaks</i> so I'm not entirely why I have this book but it's fairly short so I read it. In the show, Laura Palmer's murder serves as the central mystery that precipitates the events ofd the series and this book written by the daughter of co-creator and director David Lynch acts as a prequel. There's just a whole lot of underage sex and delinquency which is pretty horrifying to read. Would not recommend.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdm4ROKUrl5a5w6Q32fQh4aj5p1H7qmgEFnwXnEYpt8oKF0Yf7EwklenU_6aTrd2Zmpj5XIN9_Ztk5GAqaTY6T5M8q6LbrMDMwGK2ow-oIS9FkrCD4e7NiqkfsoGoz4qYTmBwm336pONVntkQWq-54gcT23FdMLFWUVLHn9fNToWhekdMyQV-dcqn/s901/rr22-18.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdm4ROKUrl5a5w6Q32fQh4aj5p1H7qmgEFnwXnEYpt8oKF0Yf7EwklenU_6aTrd2Zmpj5XIN9_Ztk5GAqaTY6T5M8q6LbrMDMwGK2ow-oIS9FkrCD4e7NiqkfsoGoz4qYTmBwm336pONVntkQWq-54gcT23FdMLFWUVLHn9fNToWhekdMyQV-dcqn/w150-h200/rr22-18.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>18) <b>The Big Short</b> by <i>Michael Lewis</i> (2010) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>I loved Lewis's sports books <i>"Moneyball"</i> and <i>"The Blind Side"</i> so I thought I would check out his book about the 2008 financial crisis which was also made into a successful movie. Not being particularly literate in high finance made this a much harder read to the point of incomprehensibility in places. I didn't feel he took the time to properly explain several key concepts before plowing on with describing the maneuvering of the key players - but it's more likely I just didn't get it.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCxSnh1GRX05NjWYPWk155u76Gx5-zrDBWU0GfwhJbi1zOO37GlcnGKsZzONH0R-CWhqePsiCbo2TBrA6TZdo3E83EFLdSqhdJ33kUVwATiwhMGC8WQvTbZRqmY7waqq1ZU581bNSku2PdC4jUDX4eyTPAl2eOmFGNtsjEo3WlqXqL_fZAK7WoWSM/s901/rr22-19.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCxSnh1GRX05NjWYPWk155u76Gx5-zrDBWU0GfwhJbi1zOO37GlcnGKsZzONH0R-CWhqePsiCbo2TBrA6TZdo3E83EFLdSqhdJ33kUVwATiwhMGC8WQvTbZRqmY7waqq1ZU581bNSku2PdC4jUDX4eyTPAl2eOmFGNtsjEo3WlqXqL_fZAK7WoWSM/w150-h200/rr22-19.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>19) <b>Last Argument of Kings</b> by <i>Joe Abercrombie</i> (2008) - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">A-</span><p></p><p>The third and final book in the <i>First Law</i> trilogy is a triumph of story telling beginning with the twist and coronation for which the groundwork was laid in the previous books and culminating with a spectacular final battle with thrills and resolutions all along the road. The ending, the very end in the way it mirrors the very start was so perfect as to make me want to stand and applause. </p><p>There are two major problems I have with the series as a whole however. The first is the modernism which has crept into so many of these stories epitomized by the use of real life swear words - liberal swearing is often used a crutch by writers attempting to seem casual and cavalier and in medieval fantasy stories like this it is jarring and disconnecting. The second is that it's 2022 - or now 2023 and the last twenty years have seen a conveyor belt of deconstructionist stories where heroes and protagonists have been "difficult men" or outright villains struggling in a grimdark world of political realism and ambiguity. I'm just past the mood for a story like this where <b><span style="color: red;">[spoilers]</span></b> the great Bayaz is a malevolent manipulator who appoints Jezal as a puppet king and dashes to the pieces the good intentions and development Jezal has made over the course of three otherwise outstanding books. <b><span style="color: red;">[/spoilers]</span></b> Good marks to the <i>First Law</i> trilogy for intricate writing and plotting but I'm not tempted to seek out any of the other stories from this universe - I'm ready for something more traditional.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J57hph8vhpztG93C-rTeMyAsLLu-UY_2D-AJ3wkZnc7-OpEr79Qj37ncsER7jxMx4XCnSIP-qS1MZAQ6iDgmTpvTrzqbUrK9c5lVBMVnyHcnlJYB_bTGFdhxR1eVzvXtwVHGWIj5n0awmPnPgKppgrSTkVzUkxkOjfDTh10gczk1Uxw6eFT3i_xO/s901/rr22-20.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J57hph8vhpztG93C-rTeMyAsLLu-UY_2D-AJ3wkZnc7-OpEr79Qj37ncsER7jxMx4XCnSIP-qS1MZAQ6iDgmTpvTrzqbUrK9c5lVBMVnyHcnlJYB_bTGFdhxR1eVzvXtwVHGWIj5n0awmPnPgKppgrSTkVzUkxkOjfDTh10gczk1Uxw6eFT3i_xO/w150-h200/rr22-20.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>20) <b>Hail, Claudio</b> by <i>Gabriele Marcotti and Alberto Polverosi</i> (2016) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>This biography of Claudio Ranieri was written in the wake of his stunning achievement leading Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015/16 and as a result is necessarily hagiographic. I always enjoy sports stories and this is no exception but it rather fluff-filled. Ranieri had many failures and they are mostly glossed over or excused. It is what it is.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODCmnZDgvIFRc2YgKpiFApxQzQxsj1ZA2jUCN8NeA-jKHVls5sTUETYIobl4KyVbKbJlzKLpBpdAKkmgg2E-wbAx0yhV_S2b2B2RnuQIyTSLNL1gBIazav9fSkJr24lZ4l8bg8mEnYov1Hk44Pk_KELZ6kp6a4M5ghHsacuSNlguxNV8-_VljGTBi/s901/rr22-21.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODCmnZDgvIFRc2YgKpiFApxQzQxsj1ZA2jUCN8NeA-jKHVls5sTUETYIobl4KyVbKbJlzKLpBpdAKkmgg2E-wbAx0yhV_S2b2B2RnuQIyTSLNL1gBIazav9fSkJr24lZ4l8bg8mEnYov1Hk44Pk_KELZ6kp6a4M5ghHsacuSNlguxNV8-_VljGTBi/w150-h200/rr22-21.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>21) <b>The Three-Body Problem</b> by <i>Cixin Liu</i> (2006) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>A science fiction novel about the attempts of various Chinese scientists to unravel the three body problem - a theoretical quandary relating to the interaction of three celestial bodies, in this case a planet with two suns, Liu's effort was the first Chinese novel to win the Hugo award and is by turns unnecessarily complex, wildly inventive and surprisingly compelling. A twist that occurs later in the novel is well grounded with clues leading up to it and as the first book in a series does an effective job of establishing the setting and stakes. I will say though, the Three Body Problem game the characters play online sounds phenomenally slow boring - I struggled to believe it would actually be popular enough to drive the narrative. A television series is being developed for Netflix and I recommend extreme apprehension of it.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNv0KxVRUlXfUWOK9CfRMBClATfdfSgirX4dANMK2EYM3rXXypCi16KFA2Ioyop_TfLGUBBtQxDtDaijf443xVQpsZBnYqkMjEFdZlJIm29S0eiIQqKxCkABU6EbQxT2Pa4ixYAAGeyYx2P4rYvDjq901x6Th3G-JjqR8f1RhagwcYwI5w6ThiBl_/s901/rr22-22.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNv0KxVRUlXfUWOK9CfRMBClATfdfSgirX4dANMK2EYM3rXXypCi16KFA2Ioyop_TfLGUBBtQxDtDaijf443xVQpsZBnYqkMjEFdZlJIm29S0eiIQqKxCkABU6EbQxT2Pa4ixYAAGeyYx2P4rYvDjq901x6Th3G-JjqR8f1RhagwcYwI5w6ThiBl_/w150-h200/rr22-22.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>22) <b>Stonewalled</b> by <i>Sharyl Attkisson</i> (2014) - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">A-</span><p></p><p><i>Stonewalled</i> is the account of former CBS journalist Attkisson's attempt to investigate and report on the Obama administration through various scandals. A word that became popular among the online left earlier in the decade is "gaslighting" in reference to a movie where a man would dim the gas lights in his home and when his wife noticed, he would deny it and suggest it was just her imagination. A similar tactic was deployed against Attkisson who was spied on by the NSA, likely at the direction of the administration which was used to uncritical media coverage and did not appreciate her probing. You get the feeling it drove her a little crazy in subsequent years as she goes hunting for unicorns under every conspiracy rock but the stories she tells in Stonewalled are or all more or less generally acknowledged as true nowadays and make for a revealing look at the political process and the complicity of corporate media in covering only what they're given and covering up the rest.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmiGB5wo7mRby7R5GLkKan4_VJL5FM_2JERXQG8BvZWUupIiz4EZVlnVgo5mNgLAkW3rFgzs2jzXLm5kSIXGCpfV7TQjz-DIOl1jsBOBprrv7ghT7brY9HMNk0mjo6MOxWic0LSBOAYrQ0U4wwWN9aV0SQHR1SvcxEKUNCsTZY4x0iPAoGRtsoch7/s901/rr22-23.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmiGB5wo7mRby7R5GLkKan4_VJL5FM_2JERXQG8BvZWUupIiz4EZVlnVgo5mNgLAkW3rFgzs2jzXLm5kSIXGCpfV7TQjz-DIOl1jsBOBprrv7ghT7brY9HMNk0mjo6MOxWic0LSBOAYrQ0U4wwWN9aV0SQHR1SvcxEKUNCsTZY4x0iPAoGRtsoch7/w150-h200/rr22-23.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>23) <b>The Big Nowhere</b> by <i>James Ellroy</i> (1988) - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">A+</span><p></p><p>A sequel to the <i>Black Dahlia</i> and a forerunner of <i>LA Confidential</i>, <i>The Big Nowhere</i> is a fantastic noir detective novel in the same mold, featuring Ellroy's instantly recognizable and absorbing style. Three detectives investigate a series of murders in corrupt, crime-infested post-war Los Angeles as Hollywood, criminal gangs, communists and the gay subculture are all weaved into a narrative atmosphere that forces you to continue turning the page as the pressure builds on our protagonists, all compromised in their own ways. The best novel I read last year.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmxKeqH0afxHaibV8k1fpAEI5ZPnoUxrIbaJ_S8WhHHR_jzdismAhaXkFtVGEuPtc_bwcgdc9C6p8Gyv6ec5fpTES628PjR5I8AwGj-8CZ07Rg58QAXayGyUeBihRB3RueI0nw8HxCCdU-4vyBk0EnY5XJo_E3fPSpWynCzUNwWeh19gVxIjsMRi/s901/rr22-24.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmxKeqH0afxHaibV8k1fpAEI5ZPnoUxrIbaJ_S8WhHHR_jzdismAhaXkFtVGEuPtc_bwcgdc9C6p8Gyv6ec5fpTES628PjR5I8AwGj-8CZ07Rg58QAXayGyUeBihRB3RueI0nw8HxCCdU-4vyBk0EnY5XJo_E3fPSpWynCzUNwWeh19gVxIjsMRi/w150-h200/rr22-24.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>24) <b>Be Careful What You Wish For</b> by <i>Simon Jordan</i> (2013) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>Jordan's autobiography details his rise from self starting magnate to owner of Crystal Palace, the football club he supported as a boy. It is told in his signature unabashed style and similar to Andre Agassi's book, you're left wondering what exactly he's truly prepared to accept fault or responsibility - but it too is a good story his and confident, unapologetic manner earns respect rather than pity.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxsSmpFWqkhrP83X57r0xoBTfoBzp4kZiznEuDJX2fJ9c32tiUOMVAypEawlXy4Qg3s_-Ym0-ozXBjhY4idNmEI0hqAhdUObjXDGFvu7d9kNM14g04xnqTVGYeXfy9YcJyOjNtTFSq_1JphQfyLkFeK9vKv3BruRIShQ4jfoPxfUQThU8wOjyWPR2/s901/rr22-25.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxsSmpFWqkhrP83X57r0xoBTfoBzp4kZiznEuDJX2fJ9c32tiUOMVAypEawlXy4Qg3s_-Ym0-ozXBjhY4idNmEI0hqAhdUObjXDGFvu7d9kNM14g04xnqTVGYeXfy9YcJyOjNtTFSq_1JphQfyLkFeK9vKv3BruRIShQ4jfoPxfUQThU8wOjyWPR2/w150-h200/rr22-25.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>25) <b>Gods Behaving Badly</b> by <i>Marie Phillips</i> (2007) - <span style="color: red;">D</span><p></p><p>Didn't like this one too much. In this novel, the Greek gods are depicted as feckless immortals crammed together in a London townhouse with Appolo and Artemis taking center stage in this story as they become entangled in the lives of two regular folk with lethal consequences. That sounds like it should be great but the tone is dreary and trivializes the existence of all involved - an intentional choice to portray the mundanity of life as a god in the modern era and the emptiness of atheism - but it led to me as a reader being rather nonplussed as to whether any of the characters would survive or get their happy ending. At the end it feels as though no lessons have been learned capping the nihilism of this story.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaynDe7TiNKNXMbeIWf5ZVrm-x9pRaO8_qY5SYzQJsmSrfNa0SGB5tTA4DXKuXyQ1rmYVY9Gx6u88Pcq-Ei9x5WPY4h8T2BhgowbU_xOJ1CNFtSBGjLPg-XWfzKJpbEX9W4cGPcGd-Ga2EHr1KKULF5qJ_n0CbrNB5vvgWrtvYBHiPaZ7NYRlY3J3/s901/rr22-26.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaynDe7TiNKNXMbeIWf5ZVrm-x9pRaO8_qY5SYzQJsmSrfNa0SGB5tTA4DXKuXyQ1rmYVY9Gx6u88Pcq-Ei9x5WPY4h8T2BhgowbU_xOJ1CNFtSBGjLPg-XWfzKJpbEX9W4cGPcGd-Ga2EHr1KKULF5qJ_n0CbrNB5vvgWrtvYBHiPaZ7NYRlY3J3/w150-h200/rr22-26.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>26) <b>Bare-Faced Messiah</b> by <i>Russell Miller</i> (1987) - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">A+</span><p></p><p>The unofficial, unauthorized biography of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard released in 1987 is best book I read in 2022. Assuming all or even just enough parts of it are true (and certainly they seem more true than the official Scientology endorsed version) it tells of an extraordinary life as Hubbard traverses and transcends eras and professions eventually cementing his name in infamy. Miller's way of storytelling is warm, funny and ironic and makes for a very satisfying read. Hubbard's lies, hubris and force of nature personality that lead to a cult following with both supporters and detractors believing him to be some kind of great mastermind as he devolves to meandering the ocean while on the run in his Sea Org days invites comparisons to a certain former President. If anyone in the entertainment industry would ever have the guts to adapt this book and do it right, that would be a sight to behold.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ_wZ81V_JKWHf5eZ3LY0kUZdVZTSDhSmyo9FYJnCnZaylUBl69KLrX8jCwZ9E33qL-EyUNfN6aQpe2LxBjpKSd8E6TmMLk78A_67WvY0sWqrm3LyF0F-JCke7Hbyfkjm8lAuT29em0gQy1Fx6wPUdH2zd4VPhqD_6hWO1c6YFLdbds3rKMjWw5Jc/s901/rr22-27.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ_wZ81V_JKWHf5eZ3LY0kUZdVZTSDhSmyo9FYJnCnZaylUBl69KLrX8jCwZ9E33qL-EyUNfN6aQpe2LxBjpKSd8E6TmMLk78A_67WvY0sWqrm3LyF0F-JCke7Hbyfkjm8lAuT29em0gQy1Fx6wPUdH2zd4VPhqD_6hWO1c6YFLdbds3rKMjWw5Jc/w150-h200/rr22-27.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>27) <b>Gamble</b> by <i>Felix Francis </i>(2011) - <span style="color: #fcff01;">C</span><p></p><p>Many of the first adult novels I read were by Dick Francis, Felix's father, crime stories always with a connection to the world of horse racing (Dick was former jockey) and Gamble follows that successful formula. Formula is the key word - there's something a little predictable and not wholly satisfying about it - I think the cliché would be that it's a good one to read by the side of the pool.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9YzVTGs8pxT7nU_U_DQCu1mofs4v8431v9ybXb9-EKgbx-hCFglu1IffDZSXf9_2q-raF-57wGZayZUp9B2jyNOo3hNUazqvqSeBXDFOKVVOMsfI5AzuQ3gNIumSJcUXK5nbf7zZKt9iFL36m7Wb-dEsaynZlyqUR-Mab23-7L8IQECPQ5-ARV4U/s901/rr22-28.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9YzVTGs8pxT7nU_U_DQCu1mofs4v8431v9ybXb9-EKgbx-hCFglu1IffDZSXf9_2q-raF-57wGZayZUp9B2jyNOo3hNUazqvqSeBXDFOKVVOMsfI5AzuQ3gNIumSJcUXK5nbf7zZKt9iFL36m7Wb-dEsaynZlyqUR-Mab23-7L8IQECPQ5-ARV4U/w150-h200/rr22-28.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>28) <b>The Greek and Roman Myths</b> by<i> Philip Matyszak </i>(2010) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B+</span><p></p><p>You can't go wrong relating the classics - this is an effective compilation and recitation of the myths and stories that form the basis of a lot of Wesdtern canon and is a good primer for those who want to refresh their knowledge or add a little depth. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkUw5RVZhfK2on340u7xhPgktaacMOdRP65G1xVqsvOwAo4tRitpp42xWLpFZF30xjwCDBUABmGf1oGdYQFO9KYBbdEX__aMofUJLV1pw-b81ANVzrgF7FniBMAdsW0XVZVwiYlkyKnfTmS6FSAK_gNDpp-Wtj0gNyZ5Kq3F7wbkC_vd_L26VrPpd/s901/rr22-29.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkUw5RVZhfK2on340u7xhPgktaacMOdRP65G1xVqsvOwAo4tRitpp42xWLpFZF30xjwCDBUABmGf1oGdYQFO9KYBbdEX__aMofUJLV1pw-b81ANVzrgF7FniBMAdsW0XVZVwiYlkyKnfTmS6FSAK_gNDpp-Wtj0gNyZ5Kq3F7wbkC_vd_L26VrPpd/w150-h200/rr22-29.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>29) <b>Memoirs of a Geisha</b> by <i>Arthur Golden</i> (1997) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B-</span><p></p><p>This was given (loaned?) to me by a former colleague I haven't seen in at least a decade so it was about high time. This novel has generated its share of controversy over the years one aspect being its apparently inaccurate, some would say, offensive depiction of geishas - but in fairness the author, a white American man, has not been selling it as a an actual memoir - unlike another similar writer we may get to some day soon. The story is pretty good, entertaining to read as it tracks the story of Sayuri, a girl from a fishing village sold into servitude by her father as she learns the arts necessary to become a geisha and entertain businessmen and other notables in pre and post-war Kyoto. Considering the story begins as a tragedy though, some plot threads wrap up just a little too perfectly and don't leave a satisfying aftertaste including the ending - even if the alternative may have been crushing. It's worth a read if you're willing to go the extra yard and find the real stories and customs distorted for the sake of the plot.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaghTXeQpzKTHJWibne5_mnQdQibWqEp7TvB_FQkkfiIVRQwGGp6B29M3BV5SkAFJNo3XAgaT9Nu3OltFjicnm8vNdaorPb7c1K9VDJxHuzAfaxa3pNK6prpjyQXlt4JKW9jXoJvUrnyFiDv5Uz-_wCVzXW40kpc6Dk-xi6dSaPj8OZ_4tTVdp6uK/s901/rr22-30.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="676" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaghTXeQpzKTHJWibne5_mnQdQibWqEp7TvB_FQkkfiIVRQwGGp6B29M3BV5SkAFJNo3XAgaT9Nu3OltFjicnm8vNdaorPb7c1K9VDJxHuzAfaxa3pNK6prpjyQXlt4JKW9jXoJvUrnyFiDv5Uz-_wCVzXW40kpc6Dk-xi6dSaPj8OZ_4tTVdp6uK/w150-h200/rr22-30.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>30) <b>Napoleon the Great</b> by <i>Andrew Roberts </i>(2015) - <span style="color: #04ff00;">B+</span><p></p><p>Master historian Andrew Roberts tells the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, the post-revolution Emperor of France in painstaking totality in this all conquering doorstopper. The font is tiny and hurt my eyes and it's a little difficult to get into at first as you're submerged in a confusing sea of names, places, institutions and constitutions. But like all great epics, it gathers steam and all the added detail serves to animate the world as it was for the reader. This is a must have for history lovers - it is not the easiest going and may take some time to digest though.</p>
<p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-51274532553645028302023-02-05T00:54:00.000-08:002023-02-05T00:54:09.512-08:00Quantum Leap (2022) Season 1 Part 1 - An Asian lead but not much else<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHyIoywa2IQD4Q0PJG0aa799LgJTWF66zL9INhiVTOb1wNfsxSrGgugdO0xOx0MHv09P1m49tr_DWIx46qPoaCwNqQKlhW_27ygl3WgU-vqnugfpHNnWU5Y7Et8FEMZ_bAFT_9sjMFDRPFc2vTQCd5bA0ZsFpZ6CIspXf0LUhFMolO2dg5acrfz9P/s1280/tr-ql22-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHyIoywa2IQD4Q0PJG0aa799LgJTWF66zL9INhiVTOb1wNfsxSrGgugdO0xOx0MHv09P1m49tr_DWIx46qPoaCwNqQKlhW_27ygl3WgU-vqnugfpHNnWU5Y7Et8FEMZ_bAFT_9sjMFDRPFc2vTQCd5bA0ZsFpZ6CIspXf0LUhFMolO2dg5acrfz9P/w200-h113/tr-ql22-01.png" width="200" /></a></div>I haven't been watching much TV since the Wuflu outbreak of 2020 broke all our routines but one show I did endeavor to check out the reboot of Quantum Leap that kicked off on NBC and wrapped up the first half of its first season in 2022. It's live ratings were pretty poor but someone was satisfied enough over there to give it a full season order and then renew it. The second half began on January 2nd.<p></p><div>Is it worth catching up on? More after the jump.</div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5uTH0ejrgnskjG6NxfJ9riyrfoFjJcoRpWivkC8-fDpY6M1i07Zf7Q0QKxZsq_OkZ4m5Il2OFsuqdc3OdUlaHfN8-4j0w5xxhZ3iNxvKisBYWxH8iZEFmH-egRjupG3zJIpPSjSLtuRlpUFWpNZaMxG6u2qnM-jtcm1AsaME5sZe9yd5L-t3rrn4/s1280/tr-ql22-02.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5uTH0ejrgnskjG6NxfJ9riyrfoFjJcoRpWivkC8-fDpY6M1i07Zf7Q0QKxZsq_OkZ4m5Il2OFsuqdc3OdUlaHfN8-4j0w5xxhZ3iNxvKisBYWxH8iZEFmH-egRjupG3zJIpPSjSLtuRlpUFWpNZaMxG6u2qnM-jtcm1AsaME5sZe9yd5L-t3rrn4/w200-h113/tr-ql22-02.png" width="200" /></a></div>I was never really a watcher of the original <i>Quantum Leap</i>, it aired not only pre-Internet but before I was able to independently choose my own entertainment. So I would catch a few reruns here or there, enough to know Scott Bakula was a good ol' guy when he showed up at the head of <i>Enterprise</i>, but never enough to really be invested in any way. All of which to say while there has been a recent epidemic of studios taking existing IPs and totally ruining them, I have no frame of reference for what the original <i>Quantum Leap</i> was in comparison to this modern version. <p></p><p>They do exist in the same universe - it's as much a sequel as a reboot as Dr Sam Beckett, Bakula's lead character from the 1989 series is referenced as having disappeared. The Quantum Leap project which sent him hurtling through time remains in existence but our new hero is Dr Ben Seong, played by azn brother Raymond Lee which drew me to the show - producers often wield it in terrible, damaging ways but representation does matter.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtALPazjsRG4DBDaSo6D3oH2tvpuWxW6Xr5oVXXHABuRSiJXfWgFikq1li8X4fOqkdDHe9mqid_CNhl0J9A_eMMeZabGGtvs-aUB_KvtAVEnvn9qeodTmSnW5oIfuR2aJfwbdJujYSRQWuvu12pEblmwcbgbr6p74z2bpJs0gF2oHTXzU4xyRSqvvC/s1280/tr-ql22-03.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtALPazjsRG4DBDaSo6D3oH2tvpuWxW6Xr5oVXXHABuRSiJXfWgFikq1li8X4fOqkdDHe9mqid_CNhl0J9A_eMMeZabGGtvs-aUB_KvtAVEnvn9qeodTmSnW5oIfuR2aJfwbdJujYSRQWuvu12pEblmwcbgbr6p74z2bpJs0gF2oHTXzU4xyRSqvvC/w200-h113/tr-ql22-03.png" width="200" /></a></div>Seong is partnered by Addison, his guide back in 2022 who only appears to him as a hologram. In the present day, Ben and Addison are engaged to be married but when he leaps back in time, he loses his memory not only of her but also his motivation for his unsanctioned time travelling. Bassett looked familiar to me but I couldn't figure out where I had seen her before - the answer is nowhere, though she does bear a resemblance to Jennifer Carpenter of <i>Dexter</i> fame.<p></p><p>Every other character on this show is incidental. Youtuber <b>Disparu</b> remarked that this show reminded him of one you'd see on the CW and I think that about nails it - like many of the Arrowverse shows, the central hero is surrounded by a team including one love interest and a whole lot of useless people no one cares about and who just distract from the main plot. In particular azn sister Nanrisa Lee plays Jen and after watching eight episodes of this show I still don't understand what her job is or why I'm supposed to care that she has a shady background.</p><p>The show follows a typical network episodic adventure of the week format - each week, Dr Ben is vaulted into a person's consciousness in a new location and different time period and he must solve his host's problems in order to trigger the next leap. Addison, who only he can see, provides him with context and information to aid him and each time he recovers a little piece of his memory. Having not watched much of the original series, I have to rely on the assertion that in those days, stories wrapped up just as neatly and glowingly as they do today, that's to say it's not enough that Ben's actions save the life of his host, thanks to his intervention, they also develop a cure for cancer, open a shelter for abandoned puppies and help Nancy Pelosi get re-elected safeguarding women's rights for all. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-EFTbxXDpWMY9aUuy1xmPqbfk1lSHAWe6Yv9SCFCjdVVDIW_05gLInBrZFAry9C2y41WpFYGvwcWzc1SDQZn8CC3W2xyKqcXHYgkzx_aAdEYfJ8P34uMUlkE5n2wNtFPV8fMxqKKHD9EWUS1NPFQ5vM38bDHZki20XKJaAgIP62xr4XxYDiOhK7_/s640/tr-ql22-04.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-EFTbxXDpWMY9aUuy1xmPqbfk1lSHAWe6Yv9SCFCjdVVDIW_05gLInBrZFAry9C2y41WpFYGvwcWzc1SDQZn8CC3W2xyKqcXHYgkzx_aAdEYfJ8P34uMUlkE5n2wNtFPV8fMxqKKHD9EWUS1NPFQ5vM38bDHZki20XKJaAgIP62xr4XxYDiOhK7_/w200-h150/tr-ql22-04.png" width="200" /></a></div>Yes, unfortunately this show has the disease - it doesn't rear its ugly head for the first few episodes beyond the intentional casting and standard factory setting attitudes but in episode four, Ben leaps into a woman and is immediately harassed by a gross, drunk man. Mason, the flamboyantly non-binary member of the team makes a crack about him having a "gender-creative" experience. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUGzV2hYWOQhT5D-y3n6xY2JEsMWlPaGskK4JD3VLP117uLgfnhNMq0qtCCMd83oSxgl8Yv3P680z40EQG1sgV4c4UO81foWDdbnaYjuq9hAzY_pSM0uYg3LNucUsH30RND_TY7jKDZ_q8KYsbRh1bV8iCPHi4b9tVIWR9b-a8G1FQ7yr8V4L2MM/s1280/tr-ql22-05.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUGzV2hYWOQhT5D-y3n6xY2JEsMWlPaGskK4JD3VLP117uLgfnhNMq0qtCCMd83oSxgl8Yv3P680z40EQG1sgV4c4UO81foWDdbnaYjuq9hAzY_pSM0uYg3LNucUsH30RND_TY7jKDZ_q8KYsbRh1bV8iCPHi4b9tVIWR9b-a8G1FQ7yr8V4L2MM/w200-h113/tr-ql22-05.png" width="200" /></a></div>They are able to keep a lid on the absurdity by leaning more on comedy than messaging but it takes a step back in episode five when he finds himself in the body of an ageing gunslinger in the Old West - a time period immediately derided by Mason as over-romanticized while the town is racially segregated in a very unsubtle way as the townsfolk attempting to forge a new, peaceful life are all cowboys and girls of color while the outlaw gang threatening their lives are all white. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB--Hd3S22dR8GbP5R6-E3BKE2XkmRJOG5NyeZMuFxTvYMVoPTn1Tb-bc5a_ri09-GcvL1JvwjOAsKjPraN-XV1WACx8tZKqPgd_YO41xodTHs1VkgE5FJ98RazjtvKw0IbXIsnSKoRHLvKxZtYY5s4wRaBf6JQuuqUBzhHIKuZNBnPQo2mcouPrtd/s1280/tr-ql22-06.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB--Hd3S22dR8GbP5R6-E3BKE2XkmRJOG5NyeZMuFxTvYMVoPTn1Tb-bc5a_ri09-GcvL1JvwjOAsKjPraN-XV1WACx8tZKqPgd_YO41xodTHs1VkgE5FJ98RazjtvKw0IbXIsnSKoRHLvKxZtYY5s4wRaBf6JQuuqUBzhHIKuZNBnPQo2mcouPrtd/w200-h113/tr-ql22-06.png" width="200" /></a></div>The ham continues to pile up in subsequent episodes in inverse proportion to the quality of entertainment, culminating in the embarrassing mid-season finale "<b>Stand By Ben</b>", an homage (?) to cult 80s classic movie <i>Stand By Me</i>. Much worse than any inserted moralizing is the haphazard plotting and the idiot ball being juggled by everyone as they bumble from one dumbass, illogical, out of character decision to another.<p></p><p>After a passable start, I have to say I was vert dissatisfied with the show at this point. The only thing that would lead me back is wanting to support an azn brother - I can't imagine the average viewer would have the same purpose. He's been ok, fine - nothing particularly memorable or inspiring. With the break and the failing ratings we can but hope that this show will see a course correction but as of yet in 2023 I haven't seen much improvement. In the latest few episodes, Janice Calavicci, daughter of the original series' Al Calavicci has been a regular feature. The character is meant to be an integral part of the lore, the key to unlocking several ongoing mysteries. But like the show she's a part of she so far has not been interesting enough and I'm sorry, the actress who portrays her is not good enough. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKAg3iovU_0r1PZ6PRHAmP0fRrReGbnCVaBXNZSJw97Q08z-Rv-WENcLf_S8gR_3QrSeCKZTZ0GuYRyjG-WdYj0CxXYNzuk1XBnxxR-ugwNahx9j9mb_w40eX4HpAti3nXaEXt9IZ0wMuhGQCYUbShzEf8Bk8BC0oNlgNwPvOTKNAk1Q9kGQNsg02/s59/bad.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="25" data-original-width="59" height="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKAg3iovU_0r1PZ6PRHAmP0fRrReGbnCVaBXNZSJw97Q08z-Rv-WENcLf_S8gR_3QrSeCKZTZ0GuYRyjG-WdYj0CxXYNzuk1XBnxxR-ugwNahx9j9mb_w40eX4HpAti3nXaEXt9IZ0wMuhGQCYUbShzEf8Bk8BC0oNlgNwPvOTKNAk1Q9kGQNsg02/s1600/bad.gif" width="59" /></a></div><br /><p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-48312883816811416402023-01-07T09:55:00.005-08:002023-01-07T10:57:47.179-08:00Dori Monson 1961-2022: Remembering a legend<p> One of the recurring tropes of social media is the outpouring of emotion when someone famous or well known dies. It tends to be an easy way to signal that you care, to drive engagement and occasionally the tributes can be truly moving or thought provoking. Many have commented on how the alst years it feels as though there has been an uptick in the number and notoriety of those passing on. But there's a perfectly natural explanation for this. </p><p>The way our media environment has exploded in the last few decades has also expanded the universe of names the average person would recognize to where now even legislative aides and patent lawyers have public profiles. For the Gen Xers and Millennials who today shape discussion on the Internet, the actor, musicians and athletes they grew up with are sadly but inevitably starting to age out of this life. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HhGc5-mQG-FFiABiS7oAh86r3Qpw-Aj2W9jEtDXCVs8GwKicaQfqET4Pyf9DiJH0YCzrIbeRfMkikRwS9sXT1S9OxfzOLL1UWzebZ0GM3I8RiwuMuMEkXd7AMWP-qkJSgajW3PLz5zbnNeTkhEPqr6A1dvSuB2cPFT-tW1d3_8Um63SaqxCElRJu/s3264/dori1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HhGc5-mQG-FFiABiS7oAh86r3Qpw-Aj2W9jEtDXCVs8GwKicaQfqET4Pyf9DiJH0YCzrIbeRfMkikRwS9sXT1S9OxfzOLL1UWzebZ0GM3I8RiwuMuMEkXd7AMWP-qkJSgajW3PLz5zbnNeTkhEPqr6A1dvSuB2cPFT-tW1d3_8Um63SaqxCElRJu/w200-h150/dori1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Usually when deaths are announced now, I don't have much if anything to say beyond simple condolences to the family. There's little profound I could add to what's already been said and often we don't really know the figures beneath the veneer they showed to their fans and admirers. This one is different though. Seattle broadcasting legend Dori Monson died over the New Year's weekend last week leaving behind his wife, three cherished daughters and a hole in the region that will never be filled. He was just 61.<p></p><p>He was not as renowned or esteemed as others who passed over the break for New Year's. The likes of Pelé, Pope Benedict XVI and Barbara Walters are rightly celebrated but for me personally, the unexpected death of Dori felt like the loss of an old friend even though I never met him and hadn't been listening to his radio show recently. </p><p>I still have nothing profound to say but I do have some recollections and reflections on the life and impact of a remarkable man after the jump.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>In the wilds and mists of the early to mid 2000s I and my fellow Brits would engage in fierce, banterous debates with Americans about which was better - American football or real football aka "soccer". At some point I decided to try and find what what the real deal was with the sport, in part because I wanted to write a story in which it was a component feature. After familiarizing myself with the rules, which did not seem as complicated as I thought they were going in, it was time to pick a teeam.</p><p>Somehow there was never any doubt that it would be the Seattle Seahawks. I don't recall why. perhaps it's because Seattle was where Frasier, one of my favorite shows at the time was set. Perhaps because Pearl Jam, one of my favorite bands at the time were based there. Or Perhaps there was something about the city that reflected the experience of being a Western-born East Asian. Full of wealth, high achievers and industry but tucked away in the far corner of the country, often forgotten and overlooked. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw5Gb0HaQW1TrkeFqUbZbfDd2x9BxhgoiD1_fHEF5c7pqa1OqhPdwbquNacD-P4X091Iliog7H5aduHCp6yaFRYIEvHNvdgodgNj90DRgaDTIZ-TR1UaMwZ9CDfnBROhqqnHmd5-Am6JV5RQHrZEUl-adc5mvYbNDfn7iVUYHugB4t_kYMTYo28zu/s450/dori3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="450" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw5Gb0HaQW1TrkeFqUbZbfDd2x9BxhgoiD1_fHEF5c7pqa1OqhPdwbquNacD-P4X091Iliog7H5aduHCp6yaFRYIEvHNvdgodgNj90DRgaDTIZ-TR1UaMwZ9CDfnBROhqqnHmd5-Am6JV5RQHrZEUl-adc5mvYbNDfn7iVUYHugB4t_kYMTYo28zu/s320/dori3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In those days your options as someone living outside America to watch live games were far more limited and expensive than they are today. I also wanted to try before buying so I went hunting for radio streams. The first one I found that wasn't blocked off somehow was WELE in Daytona Beach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team I resultantly began following alongside the Seahawks long before they became the unofficial team of London. After that, I was finally able to find the Seahawks on KIRO, then on the AM dial in a slot now populated by the ESPN station of the same name. <p></p><p>The voice that greeted me was just repellent; Nasal and grating with a peculiar accent. I just had to know more! Examining the KIRO website I discovered that this was Dori Monson who hosted the Seahawks pre and postgame show with analysts Sam Adkins, Paul Moyer and Dave Wyman who would become one of Dori's very best friends. When he would speak later of starting to work with him, it doesn't sound like that's something Wyman ever expected but it was a common experience. Almost every single person who met and took the time to engage with Dori personally, even those inclined to be adversarial would be struck by and remark upon his geniality and generosity, in both spirit and pocket.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The night I first met Dori Monson, I didn’t know how to feel. We disagreed on EVERYTHING… But he was so sweet to me. I went home and said “wait Dori is so kind…” <br />We knew we didn’t agree, but he treated me with respect. He was a good man. Thinking of his beautiful family 💕 <a href="https://t.co/IMvNduFbbX">pic.twitter.com/IMvNduFbbX</a></p>— Bhavisha Patel (@BhavishaPatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavishaPatel/status/1609777373163188224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p>Monson got his break as a professional sports broadcaster at KING-TV in the 80s, working first as a a producer where he encountered an interning Colin Cowherd, then later on-air as a reporter often working with Tony Ventrella. One story he was fond of telling from those days covering sports in Seattle was a run in with Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson during Mariners spring training in Arizona one year. Dori had lined up an interview with Johnson that would go out live on the newscast so he collected him from the team hotel and drove him through the blazing desert heat to the ballpark to prepare for their hit... which was repeatedly delayed, forcing Monson into profuse apologies as "The Big Unit" stood stewing in irate silence. Eventually the segment was canceled entirely and they made the journey back once more across the desert. When they arrived, Johnson finally spoke for the first time that day: "Well that was f*cked up!"</p><p>Monson was given his own talk show at KIRO in 1995 between noon and 3pm, a slot he would hold by himself for almost all of the next twenty-right years. Some might have categorized the show as political, particularly after 9/11 when many observers reported a noticeable shift in his outlook. But the genre Dori would have described his style as was "local". He spent his whole life in the Puget Sound area. boasting of growing up on "the mean streets of Ballard", in those days a working-class neighborhood, a hub for the fishing industry with a large Scandinavian population.</p><p>He himself was of Icelandic heritage, though for him it was not something he thought much about after his childhood. His father was a paratrooper in the Second World War and seemed to have returned deeply scarred by the experience, turning to alcohol and stoic silence before his relatively early death. He was closer with his mother who would playfully chase an infant Dori around as he ran around naked after baths shouting, "Eg er klippa tittlingur!". One day, Mother and son were out shopping when they ran into an old Icelandic friend of Mom's from the Dakotas with her sullen but comely teenage daughter. The friend asked the young boy if he knew any Icelandic and he repeated the one phrase he was familiar with which caused the daughter to fall about laughing in the aisles: Apparently it is slang that roughly translates to "I'm going to cut your penis off".</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yIh5q0PEKejsBRsyv9dc96xCncrlf8Y5A9tWEKvVB-JZrU8W2eArasFmZeGctzOxt9A8ifK-mtsNwXeFAaJS1f7nySVeP4u_uD2PdCMQZydOHkhbRGEhLhTKE5x8zO39F6j9lIEyTZtMWBDId2WdZKNKT84QtgtdsnoW7evXVgdRW-g4oU1iKwBn/s855/dori4.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="855" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yIh5q0PEKejsBRsyv9dc96xCncrlf8Y5A9tWEKvVB-JZrU8W2eArasFmZeGctzOxt9A8ifK-mtsNwXeFAaJS1f7nySVeP4u_uD2PdCMQZydOHkhbRGEhLhTKE5x8zO39F6j9lIEyTZtMWBDId2WdZKNKT84QtgtdsnoW7evXVgdRW-g4oU1iKwBn/s320/dori4.gif" width="320" /></a></div>He would talk on his radio show about how his mother was a passive person who relied on the government, charity and perhaps a little luck from somewhere. While he loved her and respected his father, he did not want to be anything like them and it drove the philosophy which governed his life, made him an enduring success in his chosen profession and a devoted family man who volunteered to coach his daughters in basketball through every level of school. He never stopped hustling, from his first job at Foodtown to working in a print shop to pay his way through college at the University of Washington through his triple duty on his talk show, Seahawks radio and coaching Shorecrest High Girl's Basketball to their first ever state championship in 2016.<p></p><p>When I first started listening to the Big Show, the hot topic of the day was a controversy with the football team at Archibshop Murphy High. Soon after that came a lampooning of the decision to install works of art at the Brightwater sewage plant paid for with public money. In those days the show was largely caller driven but those two threads formed the backbone of the show - that local angle he was so proud of along with being a fierce watchdog of government and local institutions. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPai2aXZ0bJ5MxWIXmmJKCeJkPmXcDaLdh7R8yo79JK7bG_2FWCIEq_NN5aFDTtvBUc_PqCWfoSd2YXeTAIueI-kpmoNlxksWVRnoWhVgsSyhbO5N5RplgfTuuLiuK-0QK5w0qbgbK8JSC-xnNAGl--VKTS4FWA3YedDvN_9GCgBqqqhEX40frVtif/s450/dori2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="450" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPai2aXZ0bJ5MxWIXmmJKCeJkPmXcDaLdh7R8yo79JK7bG_2FWCIEq_NN5aFDTtvBUc_PqCWfoSd2YXeTAIueI-kpmoNlxksWVRnoWhVgsSyhbO5N5RplgfTuuLiuK-0QK5w0qbgbK8JSC-xnNAGl--VKTS4FWA3YedDvN_9GCgBqqqhEX40frVtif/s320/dori2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>He proved a consistent thorn in the side of local and state officials throughout his tenure as he held them to account. In a closely contested governor's election to replace Gary Locke in 2004 that required two recounts, Chris Gregoire defeated Republican Dino Rossi by 129 votes. Republicans never really came close statewide again and Monson's ire was directed leftwards in a liberal state. Unsurprisingly it caused him to be labeled "controversial" and worse; <p></p><p>After his death, the Seattle Times detailed the incident that saw him fired from his duties with the Seahawks. Many of his fans found it disrespectful but I think it's part of his story. He was suspended by both the team and the station in October 2020 after posting a tweet mocking Governor Jay Inslee's covid policies comparing the Governor's claim of following the science to the state's gender self ID laws which allowed residents to change the sex they were born with on their birth certificates. The ease with which both caved to trans-ideologist and leftwing activists who had long held a grudge was appalling and unjust but emblematic of the ridiculous knee-bending times. It's really a matter of framing.</p><p>It is not worth giving his detractors any more oxygen than absolutely necessary and we won't dwell on the horrifically cruel way they have behaved in the wake of his passing other than to say; Those who choose to slander him, slur him accusations like bigot, racist, transphobe, those who accuse him of "causing suffering" or "hurting people's feelings" (an actual complaint leveled against him), call him a bad person while pissing on his grave without a hint of irony... I don't envy their lives. And I think after all is said and done, Dori and his family would still pray for you. </p><p>He returned to his radio show after two weeks but the suspension from Seahawks was never reviewed or lifted. I could not in good conscience continue supporting a team that treated a loyal employee of almost twenty years in such a publicly declamatory manner. But Dori's demeanor also felt different to me. After participating in the campaign (led by Monson superfan Matt Gilbert) to have him restored to his show, I drifted away as my listening habits changed. I wasn't a fan myself of some of the paths he would eventually travel as symbolized by his support for Joe Kent, the populist troll candidate who would proceed to lose the district the incumbent he defeated in the primary had previously held by 13pts.</p><p>Which is to say I hadn't been listening to the show at the time of his death. I had checked in after the passing of Olivia Newton John, his childhood crush whom he had retained great admiration for, unfortunately he was away at the time. But I choose to remember the good times. In 2010, The Dori Monson Show experienced a change of producer for the first time in twelve years as Phil Vandervort and Jake Skorheim were shuffled within the company, Young Jake coming onboard from working with Dave Boze at KTTH. </p><p>The format of the show was refreshed and shifted in line with the times with less emphasis on callers , more pop culture topics, more features and defined blocs within the show. Old standbys like "The Hour 2 Echo" and "One and one against the Nuns" where Dori picked football games against well, nuns, were augmented with new, enduring segments with catchy titles like "The Big Lead", "The Fastest Fifteen" and "Today's Sign (That the End is Near)". Skorheim acted not just as producer but a pseudo co-host and mentee as Dori bounced the stories of the day against him, sound engineer Erryn Rose and liberal news anchor Jessica Gottesman. </p><p>He never took himself too seriously. A story was circulating about a beverage company that was retailing vodka that had been poured over the naked breasts of supermodels. Monson was inspired to adopt this genius marketing strategy for himself, heading to the station's shower room to douse himself in his signature drug of choice, Diet Coke. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjKTq2owFHTdVyV1hAJMM_xXZEEdeswnax95CT8Pr4w1cdKAUAuwLYUCCdKe98BYh5uH4OUGR_V0FfV6adnCPZHXejd4iQ3AGO6jrZ_OsxAkFH--BidqCkIuh36OvpVTBqL_2UL5H6-nWVW8-KIznMPaqd2ylD8htrzI6YPkFi4a5rGBdqWgDC90w/s620/dori5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="620" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjKTq2owFHTdVyV1hAJMM_xXZEEdeswnax95CT8Pr4w1cdKAUAuwLYUCCdKe98BYh5uH4OUGR_V0FfV6adnCPZHXejd4iQ3AGO6jrZ_OsxAkFH--BidqCkIuh36OvpVTBqL_2UL5H6-nWVW8-KIznMPaqd2ylD8htrzI6YPkFi4a5rGBdqWgDC90w/s320/dori5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another episode featured a whistling contest between he and producer Jake. After a debate as to who was the better whistler, they were set a challenge to whistle "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys in a blind test that listeners could judge and vote on. After a clean rendition by the first contestant, the second had a performance issue with nothing but air blowing from his lips. "Wait a second, hold on! Give me a chance!" spluttered Dori as he continued to choke, sweat pouring down his face. <p></p><p>Those years saw the replacement of the Alaskan Way viaduct with what would eventually become the State Route 99 Tunnel, a project Dori bet would be completed neither on time, nor on budget. Despite the incentive this provided to state lawmakers included then Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson who jested about it at a meeting of the Seattle Rotary, he was proven correct as Bertha, the boring machine digging the tunnel, was repeatedly impeded and damaged for long periods. </p><p>On the home front, he had his own problems with tunnel digging pests as listeners got to hear about his frequent battles with moles underneath his lawn. one famed incident he related had him preparing for church, already dressed in his Sunday suit when he noticed the telltale forming of a hill. His exasperation boiling over, he determined to immediately smoke the rodents out of the hole, pouring gasoline down the hole and setting it alight. With nothing emerging, he escalated finding another hole to repeat this with and only later did it occur to him that any neighbor looking in would suspect of performing a satanic ritual. </p><p>In 2016, Skorheim left the show and the industry, pursuing his dream of becoming a writer. Despite their great on-air chemistry and hard won ratings success, he was supported in his decision by his boss. He released his first novel in 2019 with his writing partner in 2019 under the pen name W.F. Sawyer. </p><p>It was a common story before and after as Monson pushed and promoted those around him to chase their ambitions, better themselves and fulfill their talent. With Monson's backing the likes of his friend Dave Wyman, former Seahawk Marcus Trufant and his friend Terry Hollaman, his newsreader Ursula Reutin all received their own shows. Intrepid show reporter Brandi Kruse made the jump to TV journalism and eventually hosted her own show. The opportunities weren't just limited to colleagues and friends as local newsmakers would always be welcome and found a platform on his show. Some, like Christopher Rufo and Katie Herzog would go on to become players in national discussion. Barronelle Stutzman, who he supported and Coach Joe Kennedy who he found himself at odds with were allowed to make their case through him. </p><p>Jake was replaced by producer Nicole Thompson and the final, and greatest era of the show began. While he had great relationships with previous producers Phil, Jake and Shawn Splane, it came through loud and clear over the air that he would form this strongest bond with Nicole. He never said it out loud but I truly believe he came to see her as a fourth daughter. Together, every aspect of the show was reworked, refined and made to excel. On air, Dori, Nicole, Ursula and engineer Sean Detore bickered and bantered and just sounded like a good hang.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cocobo27/posts/pfbid031vos1jF4P8RAMYYYtN412VqNAzqKwa2SF4tEhRfEALemKTixmGGmzHFBjWyaZSZwl" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1533" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3t8IJsHajFrCvWRu_sTzCGqxjIwORnem6DsrWk4dBYh6YimUZGCzkJiSkv9YU0HtiAo8KLdyQNI5hBd4bLA6O5xCVNC_-eXOnPqex4DvasM82EkyiUiF0ewox9Ec0oM8GyxPyH9e2Dn_oxLjwebB781CabzUKdOF3Hphwft89eTFUhu1JxdNNgVr/w400-h211/dori6.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p>Thompson was more experienced coming into the role than Jake had been, having also worked with Boze, John Curley and most recently frequent Dori fill-in Jason Rantz, the evening host who would go on to host his own show at KTTH and become a Fox News regular reporting on the region. Along with working to set the tone and agenda for the show she worked every contact she could track to secure several memorable interviews, most notably one with Donald Trump as he ran for President in 2016 that made international news after remarking that Colin Kaepernick should find a country that worked better than him following the 49er quarterback's national anthem protest.</p><p>Another was Olivia Newton John who as aforementioned was Dori's dream woman as a young man. He would moon in particular over the song "Have You Never Been Mellow" and the way she growled "kick your shoes off". After charming her the way he could and badgering from her a claim that things could have worked out for them if they'd met, unmarried in another life, he could rest easy. He never did get to meet or interview the other great idol in his life Billy Joel but it's only appropriate we close out with one of his songs. </p><p>It would be too east to go with "Only the Good Die Young". There are so many more tales and lessons to be told but more than those, more than the libertarian politics and conservative philosophy of life that guided me, I'll always remember him for living life like it was meant to be fun. Attending the Super Bowl in early 2014, the broadcasting team were out in New York enjoying some Italian food when Dori began to complain about a pain he had in his foot. This prompted former Washington Huskies quarterback, salmon fishing maestro and yet another close friend Brock Huard to take hold of his feet in his "big Dutchman hands" and begin rubbing. And thus another unforgettable story was born...</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JUz48xw_OiM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-74908901628943388162023-01-02T14:16:00.000-08:002023-01-02T14:16:57.290-08:00About Fate (2022) - Adapting Russian stories to reflect the world we live in today<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFcJ8JXsO3gXEy0jk75kFPhkxokL7bvNDZjDywj_Dr-sW_6QgMN1ftqi8NoUArm8XFnHkkClcKJbtldQbVV9b1_tepIR8yxQn0TLtXjYMmCIwWZEn9w6QDZ-6oqxiXKORBZIqea8Q6qnT8OtuQ3TH3mOAQIRF6vOkvd7jVfnCuL1lNsPBLqSH6omu/s2560/mr-af22-01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFcJ8JXsO3gXEy0jk75kFPhkxokL7bvNDZjDywj_Dr-sW_6QgMN1ftqi8NoUArm8XFnHkkClcKJbtldQbVV9b1_tepIR8yxQn0TLtXjYMmCIwWZEn9w6QDZ-6oqxiXKORBZIqea8Q6qnT8OtuQ3TH3mOAQIRF6vOkvd7jVfnCuL1lNsPBLqSH6omu/w150-h200/mr-af22-01.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>After watching <i>Hotel For the Holidays</i> I decided I needed more Madelaine Petsch and followed it up with <i>About Fate</i>, a New Year's movie starring another of my favorite actresses, Emma Roberts. It allegedly had a theatrical release in September 2022 with nearly all of its limited box office coming from Russia (so much for the sanctions) but the main purpose of the production was to provide streaming content, indeed I saw it on Amazon Prime.<p></p><p>более подробно об этом plus one or two spoilers after the jump...</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><i>About Fate</i> is a remake of a Russian film released in 1976 <i>"The Irony of Fate"</i> (<b><i>Ирония судьбы</i></b>). The premise is built around the idea that many Soviet era buildings are built of the same exact plan so you could be in an entirely different city, walk into an apartment on a street with the same name and not notice any difference - surprisingly subversive for that time. </p><p>In the new version, corporate planned communities are the butt of the joke as our protagonists Margot (Roberts) and Griffin (played by James Forsyth lookalike Thomas Mann) live in identical houses in similarly named areas (Norwood vs Westwood), both hoping to be engaged by the end of the day which happens to be the day before New Year's Eve. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGPQcCOCdLcsTipDaJK_lNBGQdaz8GNCYYWKaFeYcS_HgWx5JX4TzlDye1ol8mtrmv23JJC488ifPIjUp-x3hmpEdC0yPOqRrL40aclpZ8OOaPPjMITLT4G1g0SMgcvzNtBUWtnmIRWEHVcQioyxGbJxHd2hQ2X8-7YsNs6vpT0H48vZa5vrIvYqB/s1920/mr-af22-02.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1920" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGPQcCOCdLcsTipDaJK_lNBGQdaz8GNCYYWKaFeYcS_HgWx5JX4TzlDye1ol8mtrmv23JJC488ifPIjUp-x3hmpEdC0yPOqRrL40aclpZ8OOaPPjMITLT4G1g0SMgcvzNtBUWtnmIRWEHVcQioyxGbJxHd2hQ2X8-7YsNs6vpT0H48vZa5vrIvYqB/w200-h100/mr-af22-02.png" width="200" /></a></div>Roberts apparently acquired a reputation as a high maintenance brat somewhere along the line of her now veteran career but whatever the truth of it, I think she's just great and she parlays that aura and the entitlement of being born into a powerful acting family well into comedic roles like this where she's uptight, highly strung and also a bit of a mess short on self-esteem all at the same time.<p></p><p>On the other side of the split screen, Griffin proposes to his girlfriend Clementine played by Madelaine Petsch in a role that feels like it was written specifically for her. Apart from the fundamentals of the character as an assertively coy and manipulative diva lining up with Petsch's early run as Cheryl Blossom on <i>Riverdale</i>, you can't have a character named after an orange and not have her played by a redhead.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl79bpkkiuwdVFMuOMrXfQXQZ88VxSrjUcYXDWtIF2FNdPHXvdwx7PCrI_M41V2l9GYx6ScQlbJjR8_b9_gwbvJQKKpApba8Qkp9xsEMFh85-afg3shv5Lj4sFNXQWVs14ycY8KTC4TpCwd9L3rFZusd94M7YpFLdawoPmUEWMZiFWhZ8tvfLn1YJ/s1920/mr-af22-03.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1920" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl79bpkkiuwdVFMuOMrXfQXQZ88VxSrjUcYXDWtIF2FNdPHXvdwx7PCrI_M41V2l9GYx6ScQlbJjR8_b9_gwbvJQKKpApba8Qkp9xsEMFh85-afg3shv5Lj4sFNXQWVs14ycY8KTC4TpCwd9L3rFZusd94M7YpFLdawoPmUEWMZiFWhZ8tvfLn1YJ/w200-h100/mr-af22-03.png" width="200" /></a></div>It's mildly implausible that they are a real couple, Clementine is an influencer and as far as I can tell they usually either end up with counterpart male models or meathead financial services dudes with a white nationalist fade. Griffin is impossibly and comedically sincere throughout most of the movie and when he takes off his shirt, his body is as lacking in definition as you'd expect a nerdy public defender to be. Contrast with the guy from the Good Place who was on the same diet of supplements as the Liver King which totally undermined his character.<p></p><p>Come their evening date, Clementine is excited and prepared to accept his proposal but requests he save the spiel for her New Year's party for max exposure - entirely reasonable given her career as an Internet famous person. As is her plea that he not drink too much when he goes out with his friends the next day, which he totally ignores with no real remorse or consequences, something that bugged me both then and now. By coincidence, or maybe FATE, Margot is in the same restaurant getting dumped by her beau Kip (played by Azn brother Lewis Tan) where they first cross paths.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfsdEhqeDg8w_VL2QU-yfSiFZdkQJrGO8h5Rsd89Bg3v_ejgMgv5GZO6EAYv7ZYRVxbbRHQcm1lnWtekBIoSaxGngodZz-nFjLZkF7SQ1PEjpnFp5dzAQuJLCfwWWl9mXItBjWkniL6YSXRtVy-LXnGbmF77_0zLB0b_m4Yi_G8A26Z2KUsb9En3R/s1920/mr-af22-04.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1920" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfsdEhqeDg8w_VL2QU-yfSiFZdkQJrGO8h5Rsd89Bg3v_ejgMgv5GZO6EAYv7ZYRVxbbRHQcm1lnWtekBIoSaxGngodZz-nFjLZkF7SQ1PEjpnFp5dzAQuJLCfwWWl9mXItBjWkniL6YSXRtVy-LXnGbmF77_0zLB0b_m4Yi_G8A26Z2KUsb9En3R/w200-h100/mr-af22-04.png" width="200" /></a></div>What follows in appropriately paced time, as Griffin agrees to masquerade as Kip and accompany Margot to her sister's wedding, is just a good, solid screwball comedy - I had plenty of laughs both cheap and earned and enjoyed watching. That's not to say there aren't problems. <p></p><p>There are certain defined times brought up in the course of the action - the bulk of it takes place on New Year's Eve, the bridal boutique closes at a certain time, Griffin must leave at 8pm - but it definitely feels like none of those are truly held to and they do the late-stage <i>Game of Thrones</i> thing where journeys or events that ought to take a good long while presumably take just a few minutes so the plot can happen. These terrible logistics were a major distraction for me. </p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvY9t8N16R1a-5KZ2Tl0TZZtl12qcMFtbgIefj27jESygDAahygjZmeUMVtIWXV7LzRy3n8JsWzxYKp69qD6v9fXScpoeSP6WizlEbfCJd51f6LxBqYYQi7BFSAocwWfdcFkxc-EjIce4Qm9r8MM5LSd6BlgDss2HYoJGe2dMtR14P959m8MciLGG/s1920/mr-af22-05.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1920" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvY9t8N16R1a-5KZ2Tl0TZZtl12qcMFtbgIefj27jESygDAahygjZmeUMVtIWXV7LzRy3n8JsWzxYKp69qD6v9fXScpoeSP6WizlEbfCJd51f6LxBqYYQi7BFSAocwWfdcFkxc-EjIce4Qm9r8MM5LSd6BlgDss2HYoJGe2dMtR14P959m8MciLGG/w200-h100/mr-af22-05.png" width="200" /></a></i></div><i>About Fate</i> also has a similar problem to Hotel For the Holidays where they short change you on explaining stuff. Margot and Griffin share an appreciation for the movie <i>Breakfast at Tiffany's</i>. In the movie, Audrey Hepburn sings "Moon River" in one of the most iconic scenes ever laid on film - if you've seen it. If you haven't and you only watched <i>About Fate</i>, you would have no idea why the main characters are suddenly excited to dance to Moon River together. <p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uirBWk-qd9A" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>Speaking of fate, main character Georgia in <i>"Hotel For the Holidays"</i> hates magic and supposedly everyone keeps telling her there's magic in dem der walls and it's the same story for Margot here except instead of magic, it's fate and she claims everyone keeps harassing her over this but I'm not sure they really do and it doesn't land for me. </p><p>I would say though that in the end I left the film feeling warm and reasonably satisfied - it is decent fun and I think worth a watch. I'm just not sure yet about any rewatching.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxQdtQPVpIgYI5ku8ougM81fwnfyT8E9GXDIVtFfIps70ry152Thd6y738x5CecAmaLhZ1beF-pZFSu9Nxz3JEkpuF3Sm0qjxaJSf2wDwOryKtD_sQA23-sQ0_rhmfAViWYgOMsnRo7zX9MzX9_iBYz7WmWHRZZWCrHTAnZDHGfiwS5qj95WofA1s/s59/bronze.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="25" data-original-width="59" height="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxQdtQPVpIgYI5ku8ougM81fwnfyT8E9GXDIVtFfIps70ry152Thd6y738x5CecAmaLhZ1beF-pZFSu9Nxz3JEkpuF3Sm0qjxaJSf2wDwOryKtD_sQA23-sQ0_rhmfAViWYgOMsnRo7zX9MzX9_iBYz7WmWHRZZWCrHTAnZDHGfiwS5qj95WofA1s/s1600/bronze.gif" width="59" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhb_zXgKuQR_xnkrg_Wopqxfi_3YUKcMZLoJ8TiJelpgNGvQZ4Ue22aYmWm7-tX-nLRZCRNbsOtq7FN_NKiUBP7JvdkEUafNlvR6ZEGBeJOltD2xEpWpEtRQH6aUckOtVwrDHyR_x3VdI6EkM2hC1sBsYRSOwF87WIzIUIlGRlWmIj34hFO4yyPmS/s1920/mr-af22-06.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1920" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhb_zXgKuQR_xnkrg_Wopqxfi_3YUKcMZLoJ8TiJelpgNGvQZ4Ue22aYmWm7-tX-nLRZCRNbsOtq7FN_NKiUBP7JvdkEUafNlvR6ZEGBeJOltD2xEpWpEtRQH6aUckOtVwrDHyR_x3VdI6EkM2hC1sBsYRSOwF87WIzIUIlGRlWmIj34hFO4yyPmS/w200-h100/mr-af22-06.png" width="200" /></a></div>Other notes: Apparently Russians were not psyched to see this remake happen, probably with justification what with all of Hollywood's fumbles of reboots and adaptations in the last few years. They do nod to their roots though, first of all replicating the key plot point of a drunken excursion to a Russian bathhouse, then later on when Griffin steps out in a full Adidas tracksuit. I shit you not... Griffin boasts that Clementine has 10k Instagram followers which doesn't sound like that many. Morganisawizard, so known because she is not a professional model as Clementine is meant to be and thus her last name is not public has around 25k. Monica Klinarová, an ITF scrub from Czechia who doesn't really do endorsements on her page has 45k. If Clementine were a big enough deal to be livecasting her New Year's party, she ought to at least have them both beat... When Kip and Griffin inevitably throw down I appreciate that it's a curb stomp battle and Kip is just toying with him for most of it...<p></p>
<p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-28032374028512372472023-01-01T04:07:00.001-08:002023-01-01T04:07:18.358-08:00YSL 01/01/23 - A WTA cocktail of optimism and trepidation in the new year<p> I've written here in the past about MMA, the NFL and a little on my first, true original love of football so it's really time I devoted at least one piece to the fourth sport I follow - women's tennis. Even when I was a boy I preferred women's tennis to men's. Perhaps it's because I was always a sceptic and an asshole contrarian who instinctively refused to believe that Tim Henman was anything particularly special contra to the media narrative, but I would always pay close attention when the women played.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWr9KR1nRx658uSCadwQ5w2tfibupG4ubISjtCXuQeKk0iQABkAcIaeQSF1X_uGlNlG4E1nsjYOHBII9QUkCquT4KFB1QEZbGLAPnhR9aPeNhT_V70utTjXxllSEXJYc2aHPQJNcViHXSKKI6Nxd-HkKswV43d11RDNtv4E1ShXliS3qD7s1BZPV9/s1103/hd-tennis-23010101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWr9KR1nRx658uSCadwQ5w2tfibupG4ubISjtCXuQeKk0iQABkAcIaeQSF1X_uGlNlG4E1nsjYOHBII9QUkCquT4KFB1QEZbGLAPnhR9aPeNhT_V70utTjXxllSEXJYc2aHPQJNcViHXSKKI6Nxd-HkKswV43d11RDNtv4E1ShXliS3qD7s1BZPV9/s320/hd-tennis-23010101.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>The emergence of contemporary foxes like Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova certainly helped but the player who really caught my attention and defined what attracted me to the sport was Justine Henin. She could move and play every shot with preternatural grace and elegance, flowing across the court as she would systematically break down her opponents with her signature one hand backhand. <p></p><p>Henin does not seem to be held in the same kind of high regard by the most vocal online tennis fans who tend to be devotees of Serena Williams. True sports fans have long memories and they resent henin for a supposedly unsportsmanlike gesture she made at Roland Garros in 2003 during an extremely tight semi-final match the two played. Henin would go on to win the title that year, her first of seven majors. </p><p>While there's no denying Williams' unparalleled brilliance in the women's game, her power-based style never really appealed to me. It's a combination of the beauty in motion and creativity represented by Henin that won me over and is also why I generally prefer watching the women to the men, at least in tennis. The drama that almost always follows is added spice. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TQz-BrYtt_E7JY9-4ZeBCLeGMU62_3osJ0ZXv840aHmYsXCscsWMyaA6LDNJMYGVpXFm2c7f6KDxe4u4BACgPL-NYnloGJbjo0VXD6v3KLX_yDbSRM32ovvFa8AxxoDUVrUd046fFPrM5d9CtBnyWWUXvQ4qTK9vvgaKHtqcYLi3JyNTCwx2RUjN/s994/hd-tennis-23010102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TQz-BrYtt_E7JY9-4ZeBCLeGMU62_3osJ0ZXv840aHmYsXCscsWMyaA6LDNJMYGVpXFm2c7f6KDxe4u4BACgPL-NYnloGJbjo0VXD6v3KLX_yDbSRM32ovvFa8AxxoDUVrUd046fFPrM5d9CtBnyWWUXvQ4qTK9vvgaKHtqcYLi3JyNTCwx2RUjN/s320/hd-tennis-23010102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the past three years, tennis has been beset by schedule and rankings chaos caused by a mysterious virus of unspecified origin. For the women, this was compounded by the rank incompetence of the WTA, the women's professional tour. After Peng Shuai was detained by the Communist government in China, the WTA made the decision to withdraw from that country. My belief then and now is that it had a lot less to do with principles than the practical concern that China had closed their borders at a time the WTA had structured their entire fall schedule around access to multiple cities. <p></p><p>Just two years later I feel vindicated - The WTA will be returning to China in 2023 and the borders have duly been opened. No promises were ever made regarding Peng Shuai's safety but the WTA was flailing and that's what's really important here. For what it's worth, I think Peng is safe and "free" to live her life as long as she does not resurface the sexual assault allegations that initially landed her in trouble - certain players who are quick to point fingers at America would do well to take note and appreciate the liberty they are afforded. </p><p>How will 2023 unfold for some of my favorite players? More after the jump.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>DANIELLE COLLINS</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiViTgG_9xKPiQW13xaVVCHyAnA_51nB-1b-T5_EjIxG1JQQmarQ61H9YXQeb0y01qrIQSC-Ef3Q-Gj0932UhZtq08KkzPDs28iYyJUC8D1EiL4RfVnuArA6-VZFjlLekMnMI5pvGmrAuOMWGrmC6OWg41B5aNmrJ7vCnSWQUO08b9J9z6NzcJNEHD/s763/hd-tennis-23010103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="763" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiViTgG_9xKPiQW13xaVVCHyAnA_51nB-1b-T5_EjIxG1JQQmarQ61H9YXQeb0y01qrIQSC-Ef3Q-Gj0932UhZtq08KkzPDs28iYyJUC8D1EiL4RfVnuArA6-VZFjlLekMnMI5pvGmrAuOMWGrmC6OWg41B5aNmrJ7vCnSWQUO08b9J9z6NzcJNEHD/s320/hd-tennis-23010103.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Country:</b> USA<p></p><p><b>Age:</b> 29</p><p><b>Current ranking:</b> 14</p><p><b>Career High Ranking:</b> 7</p><p><b>2022 record:</b> 21-12</p><p>2022 started great for Collins as she made her way to her first grand slam final at the Australian Open but the rest of it unfolded in fits and starts, marred by niggling injuries and her rheumatoid arthritis. She is ready to go in 2023 however, I choose to be optimistic and don't see why she shouldn't be considered a threat at every tournament she plays. Characterized by her passion, winning personality and backhand down the line she may have slipped to American #4 but she remains the most unique presence they have to offer on the court.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>CAMILA GIORGI</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf50njiZjvRnkcIBWU_Vt4PJB4eLOOtbnBBiAGgkomFlWvt1qJu4KFvwJyZT-ZBd0EntOCmEoXtv0BhvDJorBTSolS_gXhsnAS92_W9wmZ-iEbyKYI88AA27ai0WuFd__2k-68w10mhGzdQMs8zkugeTYVaR9a1cvS6074pRid-mwyPEzX1ApXLeB/s1350/hd-tennis-23010104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf50njiZjvRnkcIBWU_Vt4PJB4eLOOtbnBBiAGgkomFlWvt1qJu4KFvwJyZT-ZBd0EntOCmEoXtv0BhvDJorBTSolS_gXhsnAS92_W9wmZ-iEbyKYI88AA27ai0WuFd__2k-68w10mhGzdQMs8zkugeTYVaR9a1cvS6074pRid-mwyPEzX1ApXLeB/s320/hd-tennis-23010104.jpg" width="256" /></a></b></div><b>Country: </b>Italy<p></p><p><b>Age: </b>30</p><p><b>Current ranking: </b>67</p><p><b>Career High Ranking: </b>26</p><p><b>2022 record:</b> 16-16</p><p>Winning her first Tier 1 title in 2021 was always going to be difficult to replicate For GOATmila as she's known to her fans. While last season did not go how we may ahve hoped for her, she remain unflappable and effortlessly stylish. Some might consider being investigated for utilising falsified covid shot documents to be a cloud hanging over her heading into 2023 but it's judging by her reels she gives as many fucks as she watches women's tennis matches. This season whether she may win or lose I look forward to her continuing to hit with a clear mind, bright eyes and an ice cold heart. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>KATERINA SINIAKOVA</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSKOJyv3_PHQf3nis67aP7k0zQTsMZ7qFlalKdQh4httqfyi7sueRm4-9K9Nsupvl4GP4OOGy8hGzj4fne4Bja86ZR_EOdjFDGy8HG1BDul0vBH6FJMvrE43_A7gBANgZjj0hb7YJaqH1pJGZK2J2euPB7h1NoeQ1XAKjGP_cAxdlGGMI-Lq6PYlJ/s1350/hd-tennis-23010105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSKOJyv3_PHQf3nis67aP7k0zQTsMZ7qFlalKdQh4httqfyi7sueRm4-9K9Nsupvl4GP4OOGy8hGzj4fne4Bja86ZR_EOdjFDGy8HG1BDul0vBH6FJMvrE43_A7gBANgZjj0hb7YJaqH1pJGZK2J2euPB7h1NoeQ1XAKjGP_cAxdlGGMI-Lq6PYlJ/s320/hd-tennis-23010105.jpg" width="256" /></a></b></div><b>Country:</b> Czechia<p></p><p><b>Age: </b>26</p><p><b>Current ranking: </b>47</p><p><b>Career High Ranking:</b> 31</p><p><b>2022 record: </b>28-21</p><p>While Katka continues to go gangbusters building her resume as an all-time great doubles player, loyal fans continue to patiently await her singles breakthrough. 2022 finally saw her end her main tour title drought as she bested Wimbledon champion Rybakina in Portoroz but having seen her partner Barbora Krejčíková overhaul her, win Roland Garros and break into the top 5, we know there must be more for Siniaková to achieve. Her wild and distinctive hair reflects her expressive and eccentric playing style and on-court antics that bonded me to her in fandom forever more. While I fear she may continue to frustrate me, as with Collins I choose to be optimistic and believe she can, she will make it to her first major quarter final this year.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>DAYANA YASTREMSKA</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-HAdixAqpNS2nSDh2swR2tHprViG5zxzo3PV9BnTJSRflMIMRue7OvzHYcA60LVHHby1ysXVxb5gFUP4_ZjvKtvcSvwRaYeSXGv3HEXOaIYqNbQPX2fG5hrSJZSDAah0EXEl-2bd2gBUwT69hL5rkteMMCfUJH--bRNW8cBjgwT_ciCGNoER58c/s1350/hd-tennis-23010106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-HAdixAqpNS2nSDh2swR2tHprViG5zxzo3PV9BnTJSRflMIMRue7OvzHYcA60LVHHby1ysXVxb5gFUP4_ZjvKtvcSvwRaYeSXGv3HEXOaIYqNbQPX2fG5hrSJZSDAah0EXEl-2bd2gBUwT69hL5rkteMMCfUJH--bRNW8cBjgwT_ciCGNoER58c/s320/hd-tennis-23010106.jpg" width="256" /></a></b></div><b>Country: </b>Ukraine<p></p><p><b>Age: </b>22</p><p><b>Current ranking: </b>101</p><p><b>Career High Ranking: </b>21</p><p><b>2022 record: </b>21-25</p><p>So often a font of controversy and drama in the past, Yastremska has largely steered clear of the anti-Russian activism that many of her compatriots have been waging in the last year, despite actually having been forced to flee the guns of war unlike those such as Svitolina and Kostyuk who chose to make new lives elsewhere long before that march began anew. That said, I can't be optimistic about her chances in 2023. She continues to drift backwards in ehr development and does not strike the ball with the same kind of fearless abandon she once did and while she has always been wire lean she seems depleted now. Perhaps that's understandable given her circumstances and we can only hope things will change for the better before too long.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>SOFIA KENIN</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns7yHvpJ4PGA3uRt6aOcWKv3UMbTyP-qj-VOR2kDWYiZxr5D3b2HcH6OAXl-ro37-BVmXga_j91JfZEcxSC6cyKMlNdr9QocQd0SzFV4VGIrU_jhhhjEk47_NQ9l6r8FAtLGrgH2iERuc6hDMNtGTIOgrD-7SVyKKc27Ho00uWAAUbo7j-ao9-FAA/s960/hd-tennis-23010107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns7yHvpJ4PGA3uRt6aOcWKv3UMbTyP-qj-VOR2kDWYiZxr5D3b2HcH6OAXl-ro37-BVmXga_j91JfZEcxSC6cyKMlNdr9QocQd0SzFV4VGIrU_jhhhjEk47_NQ9l6r8FAtLGrgH2iERuc6hDMNtGTIOgrD-7SVyKKc27Ho00uWAAUbo7j-ao9-FAA/s320/hd-tennis-23010107.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Country:</b> USA<p></p><p><b>Age:</b> 24</p><p><b>Current ranking:</b> 228</p><p><b>Career High Ranking:</b> 4</p><p><b>2022 record: </b>10-17</p><p>After protracted struggles with injuries and personal turmoil, I was encouraged watching Sonya compete in Toronto against Sloane Stephens where she exhibited flashes of brilliance, blending the vision and deft angles we knew she was capable of with exhilirating venom on her winners. Alas, the fact she lost should have been a tip that it was a false dawn. She remains in some kind of limbo, not quite able to break back through the door to her former life. When Kenin was on the rise and people were talking about her being a top twenty player, I declared she had what it took to be a grand slam champion so I feel staked to her. I believe she will come back from this depth - it may jsut take a little longer than this year as she finds herself again.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>EMMA RADUCANU</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWXBbZrU73w5HOExNpLG25wE-lg9hcMU6wkRghAUT_2fCXuPEE2Jq9ggVSaMKrqtFBh8Dh8GQ4cUtMjuVKlpHkBSRdFsnLZb-A5XAQKStv6nTsi-WHfU_zant6daWuzitpZKizqM507T7BkRF1MMBhhEaPeQ1X5CJpg3-18PP6xHDq9-fYJrahtI6/s1350/hd-tennis-23010108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWXBbZrU73w5HOExNpLG25wE-lg9hcMU6wkRghAUT_2fCXuPEE2Jq9ggVSaMKrqtFBh8Dh8GQ4cUtMjuVKlpHkBSRdFsnLZb-A5XAQKStv6nTsi-WHfU_zant6daWuzitpZKizqM507T7BkRF1MMBhhEaPeQ1X5CJpg3-18PP6xHDq9-fYJrahtI6/s320/hd-tennis-23010108.jpg" width="256" /></a></b></div><b>Country: </b>She's one of ours<p></p><p><b>Age:</b> 20</p><p><b>Current ranking: </b>78</p><p><b>Career High Ranking: </b>10</p><p><b>2022 record: </b>17-20</p><p>I was only going to do five of these but having watched Marcus Rashford's resurgence with his excellent goal for Manchester United against Wolves on New Year's Eve, I do have something to say - it was plainly obvious to all honest brokers that Rashford's descent into the celebrity subculture was a major factor behind the slump in form that led to speculation he would be jettisoned from United after the 22/23 season. A change in management and professional expectations have set him back on the tracks moving in the right direction and the results have been immediate. For Sweet Emma, some would write off her 2021 US Open title as a fluke but I still believe the fundamentals in terms of skill and athleticism are there. Time to knock off the distractions - or at least find the right balance while she reestablishes herself. I think this also applies to Yastremska. This is not me saying "stay in your lane", it's really a case of "What is your lane?". If it's tennis, that has to come first - always.</p>
<p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-37448436702941668312022-12-31T07:12:00.000-08:002022-12-31T07:12:25.390-08:00Hotel For the Holidays (2022) - Amazon checks in on the Christmas movie craze<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hDgJwe3cfHQ8c7sBB4LjblA04RiiQc5YSG1u4xUTr0_fIVLzh8713LvB9WY0VhxbyvnYQDQtb9QEP-w5uF3cn9M6a-Uori9_VmomebW8ey7i6mFAIV4XmDYIaV8yfYObS-zFYCG-RJ14b19xcY0E-lc-4BtSj44V156-Ccq3og84gYG5YNtNHbL-/s450/mr-hfth22-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hDgJwe3cfHQ8c7sBB4LjblA04RiiQc5YSG1u4xUTr0_fIVLzh8713LvB9WY0VhxbyvnYQDQtb9QEP-w5uF3cn9M6a-Uori9_VmomebW8ey7i6mFAIV4XmDYIaV8yfYObS-zFYCG-RJ14b19xcY0E-lc-4BtSj44V156-Ccq3og84gYG5YNtNHbL-/w133-h200/mr-hfth22-01.jpg" width="133" /></a> It is after Christmas now but I didn't have time to watch this until Christmas Day itself. As an enthusiast of Madelaine Petsch, the preeminent star of the CW's "Riverdale", I had this movie circled as soon as I heard about it. Petsch stars as Georgia, an ambitious and industrious hotel manager who finds herself at the center of a love triangle, torn between the lovelorn hotel chef and a wealthy, smooth-talking foreign prince. You will never be able to guess who eventually wins her heart.</p><p></p><p>Some hints after the jump?</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The Christmas themed movie industry has become big business in recent years with the memefication of the Hallmark extended universe. Indeed the Motion Picture Corporation of America which produced this seems to now exclusively focus on Christmas and holiday movies. Hotel for the Holidays was picked up by Amazon as an exclusive for their streaming platform as they endeavor to stake a share of the spoils. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHVdoS2sa4OEK9VYqdPK8yGQsa3IoPMxN9Jd7WrnF7s8uVCDAguY9-4fTiEor5IO_nenkYzez3GyrpkF78o1jaBUhFVVw1XfipNtsToi8u9ZZdaMXm9q9j3FG4H3sTNE-9oMK55Ah5ihSWlWFgSna9qFpMWf6EYtfcwpZPjfe4PVU3MF9hDNCKxeS/s1920/mr-hfth22-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHVdoS2sa4OEK9VYqdPK8yGQsa3IoPMxN9Jd7WrnF7s8uVCDAguY9-4fTiEor5IO_nenkYzez3GyrpkF78o1jaBUhFVVw1XfipNtsToi8u9ZZdaMXm9q9j3FG4H3sTNE-9oMK55Ah5ihSWlWFgSna9qFpMWf6EYtfcwpZPjfe4PVU3MF9hDNCKxeS/s320/mr-hfth22-02.png" width="320" /></a></div>Along with the always vibrant and coquettish Petsch, the film also stars Mena Massoud of Aladdin as Chef (I never quite caught the character's actual name). Chef displays no special or redeeming qualities beyond the movie telling us he is in love with Georgia and the movie telling us he is a magnificent chef - the telling rather than showing is a common theme in this movie. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kzQ9nGMCBEVlPQ4Wd39htO5HLosCoZjridsZqqc-TxRRs6zxEiw_vtkbWd5TCcrJa4kNBtiicbeNXSdsq5E-TNSfbiLQjv__33uhVEbnXAO4MyIP0IPkHVXpzbjVC5NFs7MEl7Ps4_ti_PDcPHxzpqcRSnyJp6jjvCvLUV3MjkJZAls2m7f-LTQC/s1920/mr-hfth22-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kzQ9nGMCBEVlPQ4Wd39htO5HLosCoZjridsZqqc-TxRRs6zxEiw_vtkbWd5TCcrJa4kNBtiicbeNXSdsq5E-TNSfbiLQjv__33uhVEbnXAO4MyIP0IPkHVXpzbjVC5NFs7MEl7Ps4_ti_PDcPHxzpqcRSnyJp6jjvCvLUV3MjkJZAls2m7f-LTQC/s320/mr-hfth22-03.png" width="320" /></a></div>Max Lloyd-Jones stars as the Prince of Caspernia who has abdicated his post because he couldn't hack having to compete with eleven brothers and sisters; no joke. Nothing else is revealed about Caspernia so it's unclear where the wealth he apparently holds was generated but Georgia ahs developed a business plan and upon hearing of the Prince's riches begins courting him for an investment. In one of the first scenes after his arrival at the hotel, he steps outside and is immediately mobbed by paparazzi. In <i>several</i> subsequent scenes he is out and about in the streets of New York with the very attractive and striking Georgia including at a Christmas Fair which she boasts of being <i>very </i>well attended yet no one even appears to recognize the guy. So much for that plot point.<p></p><p>Jim Belushi's daughter stars as Georgia's inconsistently characterized best friend/colleague and everyone else is Canadian and the film was shot in Canada because it's just cheaper that way, as Petsch knows well from having worked on Riverdale. This film has a problem, well it has several, but one big one is that there are way too many characters who just don't matter at all. Literally every single character in the movie is either paired off or set-up by the film and nearly all of them are just completely unnecessary, even distracting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36hFryigtEN63BRRa6f-2gQ_zRolIduBp-YE51x5p07y9P6FucDPdmUxW5oxaKN8Hp6POeKGKi7NLF-nBUuDbrkafu5NVdXRpx2PjY3Pn3JbOabwCHudgc2mQOFcLLYIpjFVcCiH6fz1i6cDsIVHqjNAu3xKdTIqjwQbAmY8NdyeC5FXJHwMv92dD/s1920/mr-hfth22-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36hFryigtEN63BRRa6f-2gQ_zRolIduBp-YE51x5p07y9P6FucDPdmUxW5oxaKN8Hp6POeKGKi7NLF-nBUuDbrkafu5NVdXRpx2PjY3Pn3JbOabwCHudgc2mQOFcLLYIpjFVcCiH6fz1i6cDsIVHqjNAu3xKdTIqjwQbAmY8NdyeC5FXJHwMv92dD/s320/mr-hfth22-04.png" width="320" /></a></div>The most awkward and inexplicable addition to the story is Naomi Osaka lookalike Pandora, a sheltered pop star who arrives at the hotel looking to hide away after an embarrassing flop and winds up going undercover as a temporary worker in an attempt to reconnect with ordinary folk. The transition is Clark Kent-esque - all she has to do is untie her hair and now no one can recognize her. Was she even that famous to begin with? Perhaps that's the joke all along? (It's not.) I note with interest at the start of the movie she references her mentor, Guru Peterson. Is Pandora based? I genuinely don't know what she has learned by the time her arc ends or why her character needed to be a part of the movie but the actress gets some work and a paycheck so good for her I suppose.<p></p><p>One character they try to introduce but who never quite makes their presence felt is the Hotel itself. We keep being told it's some kind of unique place, there's magic in the air or more specifically Georgia repeatedly says there is no magic despite no one having claimed there was - and no one explains what makes the hotel special or why two celebrities end up there right before Christmas. I know it's a trope that Hallmark style holiday movies are full of absurdities and inconsistencies... but they don't <i>have</i> to be. It also would have helped if Georgia and Chef had any reason whatsoever to be drawn together beyond the script saying so. She has not even shared her dream with him, how close can they really be? That he'd know and understand her motivations could have been a hook to spark the chemistry. Despite Petsch being her usual delightful self, I can not in good conscience recommend this as any kind of priority Christmas viewing.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-1Cek3mKDEdikOqLiFCrTO-GgnwVe9M81BeCIeEnrcIAEug_7khIqyWtJCnb1KvZ58L1qjkkYHmBXGI1DEAG-lKIwdIVj3-KdxSYgFJf6ICN97lVtdYvm1Ivmbdo0DoDj7yNzaGu0dolNnpno5K-GuRUNF05o5pYIeeDWBq4HfrZPGP7XhMsKfrS/s1920/mr-hfth22-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-1Cek3mKDEdikOqLiFCrTO-GgnwVe9M81BeCIeEnrcIAEug_7khIqyWtJCnb1KvZ58L1qjkkYHmBXGI1DEAG-lKIwdIVj3-KdxSYgFJf6ICN97lVtdYvm1Ivmbdo0DoDj7yNzaGu0dolNnpno5K-GuRUNF05o5pYIeeDWBq4HfrZPGP7XhMsKfrS/s320/mr-hfth22-05.png" width="320" /></a></div>Other notes: Georgia randomly throws out there that her parents were immigrants... from where? Her surname is Clark, quintessentially English - perhaps they are from Caspernia!? What a story that would have made if they would have pulled at that thread... You don't need to watch the movie to know she picks Chef over the Prince but it's made pretty obvious by the fact the prince is shorter than her, usually they try and hide that kind of thing (see every Tom Cruise movie)... Why does everyone who works at the hotel keep leaving it without telling anyone?... Georgia's realization at the end of the movie that belonging is better than owning, the moral of the story is utterly ridiculous, did a communist write this film? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcHgDmG5wixuUIIPlrYiPfesSUFVj42szCfJOU_UrPf9W_M8PBgrURm29_WNwQv1YgAd1SiUTHiPe00tlJvrrB7tXmGkibIXpg6M0F4weKiqY3KDmUttCMahb5m6t8SloMJSSkan3IVpsDf73SbpuHe4cYG3gWyrCpeXjbqhcm0BS5MSMRXJoC8O5/s59/bad.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="25" data-original-width="59" height="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcHgDmG5wixuUIIPlrYiPfesSUFVj42szCfJOU_UrPf9W_M8PBgrURm29_WNwQv1YgAd1SiUTHiPe00tlJvrrB7tXmGkibIXpg6M0F4weKiqY3KDmUttCMahb5m6t8SloMJSSkan3IVpsDf73SbpuHe4cYG3gWyrCpeXjbqhcm0BS5MSMRXJoC8O5/s1600/bad.gif" width="59" /></a></div><p>As a bonus, we should score this movie against the Christmas movie trope checklist developed by the esteemed Christmas movie experts Mary Katherine Ham & Kristen Soltis Anderson:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>❌A TV star of a bygone era - Neil Crone and Jayne Eastwood who play the older couple Milton and Flo had stints here and there on Canadian TV but does that really count? It's not exactly <i>Full House</i> or <i>The OC</i>.</li><li>✅A workaholic - It's not really a plot point in the way it usually is but Georgia is all business all the damn time.</li><li>❌Mistletoe, possibly magical Georgia believes in neither magic nor mistletoe, usually a staple of lavish holiday decorations.</li><li>❌Ice skating or snowball fight - None, they visit Rockefeller Center, a true New York Christmas trope, but never make it onto the ice. </li><li>❌Evil business empire threatening small business - It would have made a better story if a big chain was trying to poach Georgia away but alas, not the case.</li><li>❌A fake significant other - No.</li><li>✅A Battle of the Beaus - Chef and Prince Raymond form an instinctive rivalry and square off though never really acknowledging what or who is being competed over.</li><li>✅Someone named Holly/Ivy/Rudolph/Chris/Nick/etc - The dog of one of the guests is called Dickens which is helpfully commented on as no one would have got it otherwise.</li><li>❌Surprisingly dark back story - No, but why does no one other than Flo talk about going home for Christmas? Don't any of these people have families? Georgia references her parents but there's not even a hint of visiting them or vice versa while the hotel owner Madam Fontaine claims to view her as a daughter... are Georgia's parents dead!?</li><li>✅Over zealous house decorating - A hotel in this case but Georgia's best friend and underling Kiki is hard at work throughout the film attempting to acquire all components of the <i>12 Days of Christmas</i> carol.</li><li>❌Lost Christmas Spirit - No.</li><li>❌Wise Santa - No, just a dirty one.</li><li>❌Ugly Christmas Sweater - Don't recall any.</li><li>✅Photoshop / Bad green screen - The background of Madame Fontaine's "yacht"</li><li>❌Thwarted artistic dream - No.</li><li>❌Transparent vehicle for starlet's single release - No, a missed opportunity as the pop star character sings a song at the end - it's very obvious that the vocals are dubbed over not least because it's meant to be an acoustic performance yet there's autotune involved.</li><li>❌Shopping or gift wrapping montage - No.</li><li>✅Third act complication - More of a speedbump as all the staff is initially upset that Georgia might leave the hotel but they get over it very quickly, recognizing what a step-up it would be for her.</li><li>❌Folger's or Balsam Hill product placement - This is more Hallmark specific but usually the advertising has to be as obvious as it was in <i>I, Robot</i> for me to get it.</li><li>❌A Christmas deadline - No.</li><li>❌A down on its luck non profit - No.</li><li>✅Raising money - Yes, Georgia's driving motivation.</li><li>❌Precocious kid - No kids whatsoever, I would have said too much hassle for a low budget production but they did have a dog.</li><li>❌Christmas pageant, with kids - No.</li><li>❌A makeover scene - No - the closest we get is Pandora's make-under which consists of her snatching off ehr own wig.</li><li>❌Parent love story - Not quite, although the two boomers do get together.</li><li>❌Wacky townie - Not really.</li><li>✅Royalty - Why, yes, indeed there was.</li></ol><div><b>Result:</b> 8/28 - Must try harder!</div><p></p>
<p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-87535667786066321302022-12-16T12:28:00.001-08:002022-12-16T12:28:24.412-08:00YSL 16/12/22 - When should we boycott?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6NFKjuvXaWg81vXetBXW98AaFG4rcF1v827vACdzXTq0CZud43y9n_Vhb-TI7O2lVVkb-dYmE6MXwRcFS6jLR01UX004KmwJIORgihLobT4UGo0rjDjqywuTYX-9r58s4YlW8nlv2S0k2fDoBIS-TCZV6uyGXDYfLd01r2CGYM1ARvrACZP6DhXG/s1080/ysl221216-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1080" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6NFKjuvXaWg81vXetBXW98AaFG4rcF1v827vACdzXTq0CZud43y9n_Vhb-TI7O2lVVkb-dYmE6MXwRcFS6jLR01UX004KmwJIORgihLobT4UGo0rjDjqywuTYX-9r58s4YlW8nlv2S0k2fDoBIS-TCZV6uyGXDYfLd01r2CGYM1ARvrACZP6DhXG/s320/ysl221216-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As usual I find myself getting in arguments online with people I probably agree with on more than I disagree. I really don't have much interest in going back and forth with Serbian nationalists all day so I'll make my comments here instead. But it got me to thinking on a larger subject I've been pondering - where do we draw the line? Who and what do we choose to support or give a pass to?<p></p><p>Is it right to treat Russians or Chinese as pariahs on the world stage? Should we do business with dictatorial regimes and rigid theocracies such as Qatar? I don't have all the answers but I ahve some thoughts after the jump.</p><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Along with several of his fellow pros, veteran tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky has become a fierce and vocal advocate for his native Ukraine since the full scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. While I'm very supportive of the Ukrainian cause and find a lot of the online scepticism of the war effort and President Zelensky personally to be pretty suspicious and disqualifying, some of the behaviour from Zelensky and athletes like Stakhovsky and Elina Svitolina have veered into some quite petulant bullying. Ultimately I can#'t begrudge them too much - wouldn't you do anythign and everything you could in defense of your nation? Stakhovsky has a bad habit of sharing private text exchanges he has with other players and took to Twitter to air his grievances with a pair of Serbian players, Victor Troicki and Janko Tipsarevic who are traveling to Russia for an exhibition tournament.<p>
</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Serbian opinion… <a href="https://t.co/B1PBI7ZMt6">pic.twitter.com/B1PBI7ZMt6</a></p>— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stako_tennis/status/1598346392354914317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<p></p><p>As I said, I understand the desire to stand up for your nation and ascribe only the most honorable motives to it. And I am very open to querying Bill Clinton's foreign policy decision making. But it is plain cracked to hand wave away the atrocities committed in Bosnia and Kosovo that prompted NATO's bombing campaign. My Serbian friend notes that action was not approved by the UN Security Council, but the opinion of a worthless, corrupt chamber in a worthless, corrupt organization hardly moves me. The objection was led by Russia who had regional interest and incentive to oppose Western influence encroaching on their sphere of influence. </p><p>I don't like that Stakhovsky shared these messages out, it is just simply a cheap shot to air dirty laundry like that. But the post was shared by a notorious online provocateur in tennis fandom suggesting there were "very real questions" to be answered. This is of course total crap. It's transparently obvious Troicki and Tipsarevic are going to Russia for the paycheck, well understand it will be frowned upon and are deflecting. I wish they'd just admit that - being a mid level tennis pro is not a glamorous lifestyle, there are lots of bills to pay and not enough sponsorships to go around. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik47bn5-TftRgfHMr9XgPJd17bWIxUSDPfV1Ou24OTNkEM1_JXN7C7YmkkUplzGcQGnID2xek-58xTCF9_8J5z4CCqUfrj35TrlWswWKxcQkIE32Zvlh_X6Q3wllGifP57vXy7WlKBPbcQ8M7JREVjz3URX_De3HCN-5DGU-f04KJOdHuHvehDoVWx/s768/ysl221216-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik47bn5-TftRgfHMr9XgPJd17bWIxUSDPfV1Ou24OTNkEM1_JXN7C7YmkkUplzGcQGnID2xek-58xTCF9_8J5z4CCqUfrj35TrlWswWKxcQkIE32Zvlh_X6Q3wllGifP57vXy7WlKBPbcQ8M7JREVjz3URX_De3HCN-5DGU-f04KJOdHuHvehDoVWx/w200-h113/ysl221216-02.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When the Russian invasion began, not only did sanctions slam down, Russian sources were censored, Russian made products were removed from sale and such was the hysteria even some non-RUssian products. WImbledon famously banned Russian and Belorussian players from the tournament, hiding behind the UK government's ambiguous guidance. The problem with sweeping directives is they are indiscriminate so players like Andrey Rublev and Daria Kasatkina who veered off the party line were banned just the same as those who were more nationalistic like Gasanova and Potapova. It made a farce of the competition as several top players were excluded. A mockery was made of the organizers as a Russian-born player ended up winning. <p></p><p>Is the object of these shows to punish Vladimir Putin and the Russian government or jsut Russia and Russians generally? The people who ended up hurt were players and fans around the world deprived of their talent. When it comes to an autocratic government it really does not make a huge difference - they can spin these things anyway they need to and given the West withdrew almost entirely from the region, there's now less pushback than ever to the propaganda. I believed then it was a mistake to ban Rossiyan athletes and that has been borne out by the ATP's decision to fine the LTA for the decision. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KB5pKaTZb3V3d9fymQ4h1QzYHww_bWQguqIcoCYIMnCRXrYyEU3C9TpRIcyFIWXZLSaVYfdrbSdpGEVvNl-KQeWOu1dAQYAIJjVLuIss7qnNNZ9q4yltJO5hlTLCtTkwGQ42E2BJf3fjftCXuk12CR4_yOMMYQu9ISPw_6qvOBsqOHzk-DMFxGQZ/s1350/ysl221216-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KB5pKaTZb3V3d9fymQ4h1QzYHww_bWQguqIcoCYIMnCRXrYyEU3C9TpRIcyFIWXZLSaVYfdrbSdpGEVvNl-KQeWOu1dAQYAIJjVLuIss7qnNNZ9q4yltJO5hlTLCtTkwGQ42E2BJf3fjftCXuk12CR4_yOMMYQu9ISPw_6qvOBsqOHzk-DMFxGQZ/s320/ysl221216-03.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>What of players like Daniil Medvedev who preferred to stay quiet on the issue? What of Aryna Sabalenka who in the past has been supportive of Belarossian President Lukashenko? Here's the thing, wouldn't you do or say anything if not to defend your nation then certainly not to denigrate it or her people? I think about this when I look over to Hong Kong where none of the divas had much of anything to say when protests broke out there in opposition to new laws targeting dissidents and opposition to mainland interference. Internationally famous stars like Eason Chan and Joey Yung have been defensive over credible reports of internment camps and ethnocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang province.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOBG_JiCuuCL_K36Nan-saDjONMHyjniVDOxbpvjWW3nkXlfWNYtjhpFTOfHyE2cukvkBsWM4rEOrD4pc-Og4MobZJWtg_HBWmoRMlsjvXk_Qj1zcPs_uAu0rRXoEj2ckwknOUzkejBrbe9GyWBC90MJuh749Sh66R5P5VIzT6hYRZheTQSkn3wt3/s1350/ysl221216-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOBG_JiCuuCL_K36Nan-saDjONMHyjniVDOxbpvjWW3nkXlfWNYtjhpFTOfHyE2cukvkBsWM4rEOrD4pc-Og4MobZJWtg_HBWmoRMlsjvXk_Qj1zcPs_uAu0rRXoEj2ckwknOUzkejBrbe9GyWBC90MJuh749Sh66R5P5VIzT6hYRZheTQSkn3wt3/s320/ysl221216-04.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>It's impossible to know what's really in a person's heart. But I have to believe some will be influenced by their surroundings, being immersed in the culture and media of their own countries. The Chinese will look at the fates of those like Jack Ma and Peng Shuai who embarrassed or undermined the government and realize it is not in their interests to be outspoken or oppositional - which is why it's important to continue to support figures like Peng who were. But what next? Do we in the West withdraw our support from those not so courageous? Do we stop listening to their music, watching their films or sporting events?<p></p><p>I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. As a free market enthusiast, we should make our own choice about what feels right to us to support. Ultimately I think the appropriate weight will be brought to bear. In the case of individuals I think we should be able to separate them from the state. When the state is involved, I think it does depend on our relations with them. If it's Russia, an aggressor in a war harmful to our interests or China, suspected in engaging in espionage, IP theft and interference, it is probably correct to disengage from the state. </p><p>If it's Qatar hosting the World Cup, they may have acquired the rights under suspicious circumstances and we may not agree with the way they govern their state and treat certain minorities therein. But in terms of international relations we have no squabble with them and frankly have no business going over there telling them how they should or should not be conducting their business. It would be incredibly disrespectful to Qatar, Qataris and frankly, football fans and the international community to interrupt the festivities to deliver a pious, moralistic sermon as Gary Lineker and the BBC did at the start of the tournament. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2vP8ZMdRuAvF1ZoSrL4kVD1nRsCoX1xMZn78DTbJsASDjfYv6znYme9Qksff_avfHK5U2ADKCs9qWeiEqzIqwkWMH2-flfiWBEUyMnaskevHMvJVh8OaIcb6rH1t7mQPBkPR_mOUv-7HjqL1bU2P5ENtrxB8LY0n5SWJBrRK-US9Kr-x1S8MtirY/s640/ysl221216-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="640" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2vP8ZMdRuAvF1ZoSrL4kVD1nRsCoX1xMZn78DTbJsASDjfYv6znYme9Qksff_avfHK5U2ADKCs9qWeiEqzIqwkWMH2-flfiWBEUyMnaskevHMvJVh8OaIcb6rH1t7mQPBkPR_mOUv-7HjqL1bU2P5ENtrxB8LY0n5SWJBrRK-US9Kr-x1S8MtirY/s320/ysl221216-05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was not sure if I particularly wanted to watch the World Cup this time around - I was skeptical of the process by which it came to be hosted by Qatar, suspicious of the state's alleged human rights abuses and disillusioned by football and the odd time of year it was taking place. But once it kicked off there is just something about international football that fills the soul with light and inspiration, even with its modern scattered identity crisis. I'm weak and I watched. <p></p><p>It's up to each individual to decide who and what they are willing to support. I may disagree, have my own opinion and state my case for or against but it's not for me to jusge or condemn. Some doubt and fret but I truly the free market will tell in the end - If an organization, comopany or individual pushes the boundaries of what's acceptable in civil society whether they are Disney, Apple, the NHL, Kanye West or a cash-strapped tennis player, their behaviour will and should be corrected by the will of the people, not the preponderance of the state.</p><p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-63824386399018267632022-11-27T14:55:00.000-08:002022-11-27T14:55:01.223-08:00Wolf Warrior (2015) - In a word, preposterous<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgKt4VPrPx2loJuK8_9Ak71hsXwHyfxHAFWWoMI7jPhF6PujiMN6GSepjVkTBDd74rnuF01uieTzYetAquGqnr2b9Jddm5zI99YvWb-CfttR73FNCAbc7Eweq76gor2--CLaXjjlJEc4KZu7M_pt6wI5EVqf3_6IFY3I7yvMir1pacNa3ZZ97aeAY/s1427/wolf-warrior-2015-poster.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgKt4VPrPx2loJuK8_9Ak71hsXwHyfxHAFWWoMI7jPhF6PujiMN6GSepjVkTBDd74rnuF01uieTzYetAquGqnr2b9Jddm5zI99YvWb-CfttR73FNCAbc7Eweq76gor2--CLaXjjlJEc4KZu7M_pt6wI5EVqf3_6IFY3I7yvMir1pacNa3ZZ97aeAY/w140-h200/wolf-warrior-2015-poster.jpeg" width="140" /></a></div>Wolf Warrior was written and directed by Wu Jing, a wuxia actor who got his start in Hong Kong but made his name in China. He plays the lead character, a maverick sniper in the PLA who is reassigned to a special division outside of direct combat situations after killing a drug dealer without waiting for instruction. The title kind of gives it away - I thought this movie was kind of dumn, but it turned out to be a pretty important launching pad. <p></p><p>Read more about it after the jump...</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_0Rcvxdka7f6MPRPjtjSlGuDndMJXbd9Fb979Q0nNltxiTAmnRuVRekLOQUvTvCx1wSO_phPfxB8g3UNCAn4Mj8vkhsE9SVY6oyJGdpHTMMPjYCJ0L5Ay3EGRjX3RpjKMMnELc2oB9hP3-pn3THs9kazC40m2266TWclbF-HO6D31Y1NVkwyVqnl/s1920/mr-ww2015-01.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_0Rcvxdka7f6MPRPjtjSlGuDndMJXbd9Fb979Q0nNltxiTAmnRuVRekLOQUvTvCx1wSO_phPfxB8g3UNCAn4Mj8vkhsE9SVY6oyJGdpHTMMPjYCJ0L5Ay3EGRjX3RpjKMMnELc2oB9hP3-pn3THs9kazC40m2266TWclbF-HO6D31Y1NVkwyVqnl/w200-h83/mr-ww2015-01.png" width="200" /></a></div>Pre-corona, Hollywood studios had come to rely on releasing their movies in China to bolster their box office returns taking advantage of a huge, relatively affluent and cosmopolitan population of moviegoers. That source of income has become a lot less reliable of late however. One of the reasons for this is that some of the movies such as several of the Disney corporations output have been blocked by the government. But another is that more films are being produced domestically and provide robust competition. <p></p><p>While working with Communist party officials tailoring their features to secure an Eastern release and filming near not at all suspicious work camps in the northwest of the country, their practices were being observed and copied. Chinese producers apparently mapped out the formuls and have started making blockbusters of their own. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIt5nJVrY-lrtAeblw50qaIVXqDgEEaYm6xjCRipDv3bwnlNUfSV4WO0TnQG6HkRdxtCGnSWATgB8dOm8c5CdvOIRjaTns_bDlQ0y1whMqd9DpU6gZ1FOdgQo5_DTHEawuzAE6Zsr02hV4B5Gv3rW6F5PwOyB3s4FUWiIZYTrgPGNlPnpbQyBmSZP/s1920/mr-ww2015-02.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIt5nJVrY-lrtAeblw50qaIVXqDgEEaYm6xjCRipDv3bwnlNUfSV4WO0TnQG6HkRdxtCGnSWATgB8dOm8c5CdvOIRjaTns_bDlQ0y1whMqd9DpU6gZ1FOdgQo5_DTHEawuzAE6Zsr02hV4B5Gv3rW6F5PwOyB3s4FUWiIZYTrgPGNlPnpbQyBmSZP/w200-h83/mr-ww2015-02.png" width="200" /></a></div>The apotheosis of this is 2017's Wolf Warrior 2 which broke numerous earnings records both domestically and worldwide and became associated with an antagonistic form of diplomacy employed by CCP state propagandists. I haven't seen it yet and can only hope it's a big improvement but my guess is it's every bit as jingoistic as its predecessor if not more so.<p></p><p>There was a joke on How I Met Your Mother about how the 80's didn't get to Canada until the 90's. In China's defense, they were more or less closed off to the rest of the world for a few decades but the plot and pacing of this movie is reminiscent of that era's over-the-top, formulaic aesthetic. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6hBU2jNYvSZOwASGm0fd04HbXVS0XNw5NEb1kjYfMichHadBoDV9H4iSdjgxggMhBIlwBivH3TMtrbENdTlUIHWO_Sj8YYxtnkivW3u6VRX6nwjI-d6KONWRYF5Bk8viZNzppQVYpvUu9xfMZRxNyK3Y95-Vhudk4cjoFZT0rMn7QZSID6YhMnRa/s1920/mr-ww2015-03.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6hBU2jNYvSZOwASGm0fd04HbXVS0XNw5NEb1kjYfMichHadBoDV9H4iSdjgxggMhBIlwBivH3TMtrbENdTlUIHWO_Sj8YYxtnkivW3u6VRX6nwjI-d6KONWRYF5Bk8viZNzppQVYpvUu9xfMZRxNyK3Y95-Vhudk4cjoFZT0rMn7QZSID6YhMnRa/w200-h83/mr-ww2015-03.png" width="200" /></a></div>But one of the classic beats of that type of storytelling is missing - after being packed off to the Wolf Warriors ppresumably to teach him some discipline and teamwork our errant hero Leng Feng, played by Wu Jing himself, is never brought low, never truly has a moment of regret or reflection. <p></p><p>The principal villain of the piece is the brother of the drug lord Leng Feng takes out at the start of the movie but the antagonists, all his agents in the field are foreigners motivated by nothing but money. They are led by Tom Cat, a former US Navy Seal who only non-English speakers could belive is an American. In their hunt for their prey, the foreign mercenaries cross the border into China and violate all kinds of boundaries of international law and plausibility as they happily go about murdering stray members of Feng's Wolf Warrior unit.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteyMk_OIqAGyZWDFIsvZCCXVGFSibsbeWxFfJjgXB9FWJ8ERMYkUCV7jLQCxip3KG2hTvURzMsKU10g4O5FxP1VhftMjJlXiAsKsk0-T_l8xpv1xa4kpTTd6U_fdnJXksQNEuVf2tG9jDoBilQA8Nk68Bu1KKXQJuKwbP2mJF5QxzsSfVMqurAVVw/s1920/mr-ww2015-04.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteyMk_OIqAGyZWDFIsvZCCXVGFSibsbeWxFfJjgXB9FWJ8ERMYkUCV7jLQCxip3KG2hTvURzMsKU10g4O5FxP1VhftMjJlXiAsKsk0-T_l8xpv1xa4kpTTd6U_fdnJXksQNEuVf2tG9jDoBilQA8Nk68Bu1KKXQJuKwbP2mJF5QxzsSfVMqurAVVw/w200-h83/mr-ww2015-04.png" width="200" /></a></div>The action and preactical effects are pretty good but they jarringly veer between hyper realistic modern warfare and aerial wuxia acrobatics. There's also a romantic subplot between Feng and the token female officer which is poorly developed (like most of the characters) and post a crude joke or two to open with, does not sizzle perhaps a victim of conservative oversight. The pacing and editing is sharp and cold, in short I found it shallow. Like a lot of products Made in China it's a knock-off version of the real thing.<div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCLtj0FHwypZ_XOxfEUW2UQxFA_YEFSUB1_t5kzUzMTcTg_8nbh0KY3zBpuVbuBcOWkk6GOLBtAnskxaC0F1noUUeDuH1KvWEQEHnVHm0UyezhFi3bhnOXCU5ou2gmveK521s8b-geUsfxHTtxuMpy72znazK9pk_pAe5EGA5eBdKHaTG-oad5aei/s59/bad.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="25" data-original-width="59" height="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCLtj0FHwypZ_XOxfEUW2UQxFA_YEFSUB1_t5kzUzMTcTg_8nbh0KY3zBpuVbuBcOWkk6GOLBtAnskxaC0F1noUUeDuH1KvWEQEHnVHm0UyezhFi3bhnOXCU5ou2gmveK521s8b-geUsfxHTtxuMpy72znazK9pk_pAe5EGA5eBdKHaTG-oad5aei/s1600/bad.gif" width="59" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ-P8e2fZBTH_PYqUl_1WHqkFWZeAumJ6hQ77x691R48ecOmGNKSH78XnwGOItR205amDKeTiJ43jplEShkHkvmsKjPVWQB3NFMEVzYv8oTU0ooAFPEUSJm3oWVMafQQ4iUgQewsl3ifeJNej6jeXDBAdR6VZM83kEVX0oGwNwgQ6mpTxgbiTxUoy/s1920/mr-ww2015-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ-P8e2fZBTH_PYqUl_1WHqkFWZeAumJ6hQ77x691R48ecOmGNKSH78XnwGOItR205amDKeTiJ43jplEShkHkvmsKjPVWQB3NFMEVzYv8oTU0ooAFPEUSJm3oWVMafQQ4iUgQewsl3ifeJNej6jeXDBAdR6VZM83kEVX0oGwNwgQ6mpTxgbiTxUoy/s320/mr-ww2015-05.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a></p><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script></div>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-52325351774735501252022-11-26T12:23:00.002-08:002022-11-26T12:23:41.020-08:00YSL 26/11/22 - Breel Embolo and how Globalization undermines national teams <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyYbtEnXjnyCPp7EJFTYWuLVud5XbzQ1sCB9hlmFX2teeg5dygJKaGppLF_5Jsz6yfNK8R2gY_wwMqljr_Brf18yAlZGYTeX-fRuQiG4GI2QOXcF20wBxgZmMjBYZJTVHVzbqYoJS1v-iPXhPgLVD5GdF4LOVzaVhSWQNB95iDAoYWp0s3coL7oEV/s1080/ysl221126embolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyYbtEnXjnyCPp7EJFTYWuLVud5XbzQ1sCB9hlmFX2teeg5dygJKaGppLF_5Jsz6yfNK8R2gY_wwMqljr_Brf18yAlZGYTeX-fRuQiG4GI2QOXcF20wBxgZmMjBYZJTVHVzbqYoJS1v-iPXhPgLVD5GdF4LOVzaVhSWQNB95iDAoYWp0s3coL7oEV/w200-h133/ysl221126embolo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />When Cameroon-born Breel Embolo scored the winning goal for Switzerland against the nation of his birth, he declined to celebrate and seemed quite emotional. Journalists and pundits described the moment, which occurred in the opening match of Group G in this year's World Cup in Qatar, as "powerful". I would describe it instead as slightly perverse.</div><div><br /></div><div>More on this after the jump...</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>We've had to hear a lot in recent years about the evils of colonialism, the devastation it wrought on Africa in particular and her people who are apparently structurally discriminated against in almost all facets of our modern society as a direct consequence of these past evils. Whatever the merits of this narrative, and I think they only can stretch so far, the long shadow of this praxis looms increasingly large in international football and economic migration in general.</div><div><br /></div><div>A quick scan of top players and prospects across European teams at this year's tournament reveals many of African descent. Mbappe of France is also of Cameroonian descent, the Dutchman Cody Gakpo part Togolese, part Ghanaian. Rafael Le<span style="background-color: #1c1c1c; border: 0px; color: #cccccc; font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ã</span>o's parents emigrated from Angola while Michy the Batman Batshuaiyi's hail from the Congo. In the not so distant past, associations and managers of less established footballing nations had good success convincing players with the relevant ancestry to lace up their boots for the flag of their parents or grandparents. Sometimes it would be a lad with no chance of ever playing for his birth nation such as the incongruous Chris Birchall of Trinidad & Tobago fame. </div><div><br /></div><div>But you also have stars like Kalidou Koulibaly, who was born in France and could have played for them, instead choosing Senegal in part because he knew his parents would appreciate that respect for the heritage they raised him in. These kinds of national identities are fading away in the former colonial powers, contextualised and reimagined by many in the younger generation. Choosing to play for that big nation is much more of a business decision thaN it even ever was in the past as national teams more and more become corporate ciphers rather than representatives of their people and history. </div><div><br /></div><div>In no country is this more evident than Germany, not an African colonizer but still a country haunted by past racism and atrocities. Die Mannschaft were once characterized by their machine like efficiency. Even while boasting brilliant flair players like Thomas H<span style="background-color: #1c1c1c; color: #cccccc; font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">ä</span>ssler and Jurgen Klinsmann they would work through the gears like a practiced crew on a factory floor on their way to an inevitable result. This present iteration by contrast flatters to deceive, a disparate collection of individual talents and egos, heading towards an early exit but looking like the perfect advert for multiculturalism while they signal their support for the LGBTQ cause they profess to care about so very, dearly much. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd call it a glamour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every time a World Cup rolls around there is persistent discussion about when an African team will finally break out. None has made it past the quarter final stage to date. That seems as far away as ever before today. There is never any accompanying discussion of Asian teams (South Korea made it to the semi-finals on home soil in 2002) probably because as discussed, so many great players in the modern game are of African descent. But you could fill entire teams with the talents that have turned their backs on the continent for the greener vaults of Switzerland and other ancestral masters. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid9lIEG99mkqhP3VsoFYNZzhmuRPQit1TohDLFquIsAjTFBj9EUX_i6q8jzE_6HG9ubUvEUz-dXTUy5u17hyjvW05_XgzhkaoUM-IaenziuTtCEa84Io1OdGnMUPgsckjnjONEbjWuBGJIyW8Lr9scgaQxR7lu6Zrin0eSjISfwpF6GqvTT2ij_rw/s1349/ysl221126depay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid9lIEG99mkqhP3VsoFYNZzhmuRPQit1TohDLFquIsAjTFBj9EUX_i6q8jzE_6HG9ubUvEUz-dXTUy5u17hyjvW05_XgzhkaoUM-IaenziuTtCEa84Io1OdGnMUPgsckjnjONEbjWuBGJIyW8Lr9scgaQxR7lu6Zrin0eSjISfwpF6GqvTT2ij_rw/s320/ysl221126depay.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />What does it mean to be a citizen today? For Memphis Depay, born to a Ghanaian father and a Dutch mother, how does he reconcile these conflicting facets given his well publicized affinity for his father's roots? A fun game people like to play is projecting what a Yugoslavian national team would look like had that conglomeration remained intact. If Depay, Gakpo and Alphonso Davies played for Ghana, would they have beaten Portugal? If Western European powers did not pluck all the brightest youngsters out, would an African nation now be in a position to win the World Cup?</div><div><br /></div><div>You see a similar situation with immigration. The stated goal of the British government is to fill in the gaps of our workforce by bringing them from abroad in massive numbers. Beyond any other considerations, there seems something deeply exploitative about siphoning all the greatest, most ambitious minds from countries which remain developing, many impoverished and in desperate need of medical, technological and entrepreneurial leaders themselves. It is not necessarily wrong to import this diverse new class and welcome them as fully fledged, contributing members of our own societies - but it does feel slightly perverse.</div><div><br /></div><a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/BaiHuJ">Follow @BaiHuJ</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-21992704756941625392018-08-04T05:52:00.003-07:002018-08-04T05:52:55.758-07:00UFC 227 Picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVMC0R3VzHsHgy7qEH1qcW0bPL4FWxFF0ITegkygI1uKeeRTB8gX78JSox3Au0E24gpYKbhuUmKqqXA_XXQQWdHHY76jcGVZRbIyveKc9oPd9BQKp8AnWGEGmIL_eULuvHdk9nLHS0Ss/s1600/ufc227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="920" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVMC0R3VzHsHgy7qEH1qcW0bPL4FWxFF0ITegkygI1uKeeRTB8gX78JSox3Au0E24gpYKbhuUmKqqXA_XXQQWdHHY76jcGVZRbIyveKc9oPd9BQKp8AnWGEGmIL_eULuvHdk9nLHS0Ss/s320/ufc227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hot on the heels of the news that FOX Sports will be ending their broadcasting relationship with the UFC, it transpires in the UK, BT Sport will no longer be showing events from the end of 2018. Going forward, the rights will be in the hands of Eleven Sports, as yet a streaming only network. Some suckups, I'm sorry, journalists, assure us that they will have a channel on cable by the time they begin their deal though it's decidedly unclear as to what providers will carry it, if it will be part of a basic package or premium, and so on.<br />
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No one will miss BT Sport's coverage which did not bother synchronising their ad breaks with the host broadcastyet somehow would still manage to muffle out any remotely potentially awkward language. All events were blacked out from UFC Fight Pass, even cards ostensibly exclusive to Fight Pass. Their coverage of other sports is also spotty, frequently distorting their schedule, shunting events behind unrecordable digital walls. Nearly all of their studio shows not directly connected to pre or post match have been cancelled. On Wednesday during the Mladenovic vs Babos tennis match at the Silicon Valley Open, their HD channel had a major sound issue for over two hours they did not bother fixing or even addressing. What I'm saying is, no one is shocked by this parting of ways.<br />
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But this is not some triumph of common sense by the UFC. It's just another money saving tactic on the part of the owners. Of course it transpires Eleven Sports is part owned by IMG. They are working towards building their own global empire of which the UFC is just a tiny piece. They are cutting costs all over the place whether it's something large like allowing the likes of Lyoto Machida to walk or ending the UFC Pick'Em game on their website. One thing observant viewers may have noticed is the number of events held in small towns with tiny venues, like Boise, Utica and Liverpool.So much for world domination.<br />
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A couple of big fights were announced at the press conference on Friday with obviously the major attraction being Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor in October in Las Vegas. But as yet there is no main event on the horizon for UFC 230, the annual New York show. The only potential one looming that feels significant enough would be Cormier vs Jones III. Most main PPV cards including UFC 227 are mostly composed of filler that would struggle to feel relevant on a Fight Night card. Many Fight Night cards now are regional promotion quality.<br />
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When they do have something good brewing such as Paulo Costa, they show no patience, catapulting him from a series of heavily flawed opponents into a bout with Yoel Romero. He is not ready for that, doesn't have enough mainstream heat behind him and will get destroyed. As I said, it feels like the company is being run not as the NFL of combat sports but as a minor cog in a giant machine. There's little to get excited about right now and it feels like the higher ups barely care. Well if they don't care, I don't care. If they put together something worth talking about then we'll talk. If not...<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> TJ Dillashaw vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Cody Garbrandt</u></b><br />
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This is the only fight on the card that really matters but man is it a good one. The first fight was highly enjoyable. The heat of the rivalry has faded and it was probably too soon to do a rematch but beggars can't be choosers.<br />
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It's also terrifically difficult to call. In their first official meeting, Garbrandt shaded the first round and knocked down Dillashaw. The Duane Ludwig protege rallied in the second, finding his rhythm and finishing hos opponent. I suspect that second round is more indicative of what we'll see here.<br />
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Garbrandt is very orthodox with his striking. There is probably not much of significance he can add at this point and still retain his feared power. On the other hand, Dillashaw's movement and angles can flummox in the heat of battle. With his fluidity, now that he found his range and knows he can slide in and out and hit him, I think TJ carries that confidence into this fight and wins, probably with another finish.<br />
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True trilogies are rare and for a reason so the odds are against Garbrandt a little but I certainly think it's possible. If he wins, I think it will be Marlon Moraes next for him. Or of course, that trilogy. But we all expect buy rates to struggle to crack 200k for this event so it might be worth sitting on that idea even if it comes to pass.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Demetrious Johnson vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Henry Cejudo</b></u><br />
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It's very difficult to pick against "Mighty Mouse" versus any other Flyweight until he shows deficiencies. Cejudo is easily the best and most deserving contender in the chasing pack and has shown consistent improvement but not enough to make me think he can beat Johnson. Many of Johnson's recent triumphs have been wrestling heavy which you'd think might give an opening to the former Olympic gold medalist Cejudo but in their first meeting Johnson worked him over in the clinch and struck the decisive blows from that position.<br />
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Cejudo was struggling badly with his weight cut at that point in time. He seems to have it more under control now which should help his endurance and ability to survive those elbows, Johnson not typically a power striker. I think it goes the distance and is fairly competitive but obviously in the end, Johnson wins and retains unanimously.<br />
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It's worth nothing that every time Demetrious Johnson has fought someone for a second time he has won decisively. On those three occasions he had serious trouble in the first fight and it would be tough to win more definitively than knocking out Cejudo inside a round the way he did at UFC 197.<br />
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"Mighty Mouse" ought to be looking for something new after this as there are no other viable contenders. While undoubtedly ludicrously talented, the lack of depth and challenge at Flyweight makes it difficult to take him seriously as "The Greatest of All Time". It's been discussed before about the possibility of a super fight between him and the Bantamweight champion. I really think he should be the one to go up in weight. It's the division from which he came, he is the one in need of a challenge and he is the one who has earned the right to win a second belt.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Cub Swanson vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[10]</span> Renato Moicano</b></u><br />
<br />
Renato Moicano opened as a big favorite and the gap has just continued to widen with good reason. Cub Swanson is washed up. We noted before that his return to prominence was something of a mirage. I called for a match with Brian Ortega because I knew Ortega could beat him. The only semi-credible name he fought on his recent win streak was Doo Ho Choi who was rushed in to a big fight too soon, a common theme.<br />
<br />
Moicano is a technically excellent Muay Thai striker who out pointed everyone he has danced with, including Brian Ortega until he went full retard and stuck his neck in the crook of Ortega's elbow. Cub has some tricks, but not the kind that should hold Moicano from winning comfortably.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Polyana Viana vs JJ Aldrich</u></b><br />
<br />
I think of these two I have watched one fight total while half asleep and don't care to go back and check. Sometimes I like when they put a women's fight on the main card to try and promote the divisions a little but there is very little justification for this one.<br />
<br />
I guess the idea is that Viana has been a finisher in her career, able to finish scrubs of which I think we can safely assume Aldrich will be one. But you're trying to sell a Pay Per View on which you've raised the price. Is this going to get people's blood pumping? I severely doubt it. As I said. They don't care so why should I?<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[13]</span> Thiago Santos vs Kevin Holland</b></u><br />
<br />
This fight I suspect was promoted to the main card after various matchups involving Alexander Gustafsson fell through. I was looking for a substitution in this matchup also as i find it a little odd that Thiago Santos who can still bang would be matched up against a debuting fighter who had to go through DWTNCS to get a contract but that is the modern UFC for you. It's a good opportunity for Holland, a consistent finisher on the regional circuit, to make a little name for himself but I still for now at least, think the veteran Santos should be able to see how the young blood.<br />
<br />
<b>I pick: </b>Dillashaw, Johnson, Moicano, Viana, Santos<br />
<br />
<b>Chris picks:</b> TBA<br />
<br />
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I've been watching the World Cup 2018 Russia with someone who knows literally nothing about football. I do mean literally, as in she was unsure how long matches. She has of course though heard peripherally of a couple of players - you know the two I mean. The rest of the world knows them as stars.<br />
<br />
While watching Portugal vs Iran a tall, well-built gentleman stepped up to take a penalty and while waiting for the whistle to be blown, began fussing with his hair. "Why's he doing that," she asked while mimicking the hand motions. "His hair is already so short!" "Well that's Cristiano Ronaldo," i replied. After the match, checking social she remarked on how all of the chatter was about Ronaldo, or C-Ro as he is apparently known in some quarters even though he had done relatively little in the game. That's just how it is, I said.<br />
<br />
The next night Argentina played Nigeria and rescued their tournament, at least temporarily, with a late stunner to win the match from Manchester United backup Marcos Rojo. After the match checking social again, I was asked, "Why is everyone talking about Messi? I thought the other guy scored the goal?" Well precisely. He's "the other guy". Messi is the star and that's just how it is.<br />
<br />
With both players eliminated last Saturday - If everyone goes out, who will get in, as one netizen remarked - the attention online turned to Neymar - for more legitimate reasons with his influence and antics during Brazil's victory over Mexico. Already the #3 player in the world, he is the future of the sport. Why does it seem so obvious when there are other formidable goalscorers and creators out there though?<br />
<br />
As talented as he, Messi and Ronaldo are, to climb above and stand out for their performance on the field of play there is a tremendous amount of propping up by the media that comes with it to elevate to that next level of stardom. I'm not for it. The constant fellating of LeBron James has driven me away from my usual sports talk radio havens over the summer. Conor McGregor receives the same level of myth making as did the newest UFC Hall of Fame inductee Ronda Rousey for a little while.<br />
<br />
Where does the UFC find it's next star? The league is dying on its feet. It's not enough to have a big mouth and try and talk trash. The gimmick being run by the interim welterweight champion has failed. I really think for the aura to form around you can't be so obviously fake. Guys like Kamaru Usman and Max Holloway also strike me as being try-hard, too put on. Yet at the same time you need a little self delusion, to really believe that even with the transient nature of the sport that you are so far removed from the rest of your competition. The final element is that media help. The media has to ride your jock and bully people into thinking you're just that great. I think with that in mind the next man up is Darren Till, but that could all change very quickly.<br />
<br />
Picks after the jump.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Stipe Miocic vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Daniel Cormier</u></b><br />
<br />
I haven't had much time to think about or prepare for the summer fight series so these previews might be somewhat abbreviated. With that said I feel like I've picked against Stipe Miocic in every single title defence he has competed in. It's not that I underestimate him, it's more that I am keenly aware of how short-lived reigns at the peak of MMA are except for the most exceptional of competitors. Which I suppose is in effect underestimating his ability in all facets and in particular his capability of establishing himself as a legend.<br />
<br />
Daniel Cormier is also very underappreciated as an athlete and a fighter. Primarily known as a rival and whipping boy of Jon Jones, aside from the Gustafsson fight at UFC 192, he has utterly dominated or finished every other opponent ever put in front of him - including other wrestlers at Heavyweight.<br />
<br />
I think that's what will be key here. Some have pointed to the wrestling prowess of Miocic particularly in the way he imposed his will on his most recent challenger Francis Ngannou but "DC" is an entirely different story - as decorated as they come and in various, diverse formats. Stipe's main weapon is his powerful punching power but we've seen Cormier able to take heavy hits before from the likes of Anthony Johnson. At Heavyweight he will not have to worry about cutting weight and should be even sturdier.<br />
<br />
With that said earlier in the week I was leaning Cormier but after thinking about it a lot, maybe overthinking it, I believe Stipe Miocic will win this fight. I think it will be very close and Cormier may even shade the early rounds. But I think Miocic will take the later ones and I don't think the fight will be brought to the ground for any significant period of time. Despite the wrestling credentials I see more of a slugfest on the feet and in that with his range and ability to deliver punishment, Stipe outlasts and edges this contest.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Francis Ngannou vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Derrick lewis</u></b><br />
<br />
Derrick Lewis has sought this fight for a while and I think he has a good chance of winning. When looking for guys who could "The Predator" I considered Lewis a guy who could absorb the power, at least early, and then hit back with more force than the Cameroonian would be used to.<br />
<br />
Cardio is a weakness for both but Lewis does not really have the tools to exploit Ngannou's grappling deficiencies so look for more or less the entire fight to be contested on the feet. It should be a good one either way. If Lewis wins he can start calling for a title shot with the abbreviated line at Heavyweight. If Ngannou wins he may be the opponent for Volkov in Russia.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[14]</span> Paul Felder vs Mike Perry</u></b><br />
<br />
This is promoted to the main card late in the week as a result of the Max Holloway vs Brian Ortega title fight being cancelled. Best of luck to Holloway in his recovery. I was going to pick against him with one of my main concerns being his difficulty to make the 145 lb limit. I think it has played a factor in his health concerns and casts a big doubt on his ability to defend this belt in the future.<br />
<br />
This in itself is a pair the spares fight with both having lost original opponents and Felder moving up a weight class to stay active. On the one hand, Nike Perry is a phenomenally one dimensional guy who can be outschemed by anyone with a brain which to hear Felder commentate, he appears to have. On the other hand, when Felder fought Charles Oliveira he repeatedly put his neck in the crook of "Do Bronx's" arms and only came through thanks to a mismatch in willpower.<br />
<br />
On the feet I think Felder is a little more sophisticated than the other facets of his game and despite being new to 170 I suspect he is able to wear Perry down the same way guys like Alan Jouban did. Decision win for "the Irish Dragon".<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[9]</span> Michael Chiesa vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[12]</span> Anthony Pettis</u></b><br />
<br />
This fight was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 223 before Conor McGregor's terrorist attack which caused Chiesa to be pulled due to facial lacerations. There was some talk of Pettis stepping into the main event but I don't think it was ever seriously considered and frankly, it would've gone really badly for him. He just is not the same fighter that he used to be. Not to say that he is scared rather more cautious now with not the same snap to his strikes or killer instinct.<br />
<br />
Chiesa, oft-injured and disgruntled has only fought once in two years prior, a controversial loss to Kevin Lee. He self admits that he always gives up his back in the first round of fights, a possibly dangerous lapse against a submission seeker like "Showtime" but if he is able to survive that, and I think he has the requisite hunger and strength to do so, he generally heats up later on in fights and I think he can grind and roll one out here to work his way back towards title contention.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Gokhan Saki vs Khalil Rountree</u></b><br />
<br />
A celebrated kickboxer, Gokhan Saki has made the switch full time to MMA and looked good against a hand-picked opponent, delivering an expected KO victory. Rountree is an acceptable step-up in competition level but should still be a more than winnable bout. A fellow striker, Rountree can be lackadaisical in approach but has plenty of power when he chooses to call on it - just keep him far away from any grapplers. I expect the thinking with this to be to get the PPV portion of the night off to an explosive start and continue building from there and you have to favor Saki.<br />
<br />
I am not sure what to expect in terms of numbers for this. Buy rates for recent shows have been appalling especially considering what Endeavor invested. Miocic is not a huge draw and DC doesn't seem to be much of one outside of Jon Jones. I think it's a very good card top to bottom but there is no heat coming into it because both guys are too respectful and who the hell even watches the Ultimate Fighter anymore? Certainly not me.<br />
<br />
<b>I pick:</b> Miocic, Lewis, Felder, Chiesa, Saki<br />
<br />
<b>Chris picks:</b> Miocic, Ngannou, Felder, Chiesa, Rountree<br />
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I was cautiously optimistic about the ESPN+ deal signed by the UFC last time out but a month later the hope has evaporated. ESPN has doubled down on their determination to drive true sports fans away from their platform, bringing back demagogue Keith Olbermann yet again and launching a new flagship afternoon show hosted by Pablo Torre and faux intellectual Bomani Jones.<br />
<br />
With many cards scheduled to be across the ESPN network exclusively expect the 'talent' such as it is to be spread thin especially as the UFC is expected to retain a PPV model and save all their best fights for those. But the base will be driven away by the core principles that appear to be in play at ESPN. Meanwhile the type of people the likes of Olbermann, Jones and Michelle Beadle are designed to appeal to are cutting the cord and being judicious over what services to subscribe to. So who will be left to watch? It is a terrible brand fit and a mistake the UFC may never truly recover from.<br />
<br />
Dana White obviously thinks it is the greatest thing that has ever happened for the UFC. What else can he say? But then again he also said Yair Rodriguez had been released - a lie as predicted here. From what I hear the plan was to spread rights between multiple networks and FOX Sports were ready to pay nine figures for half of the rights. But when Endeavor chose ESPN as one its partners, a direct and main rival to FOX Sports, they withdrew their offer forcing the UFC to go hat in hand to ESPN. I am sure Fox are not upset they don't have to deal with Dana anymore.<br />
<br />
White also came out this week and said the UFC would do away with early weigh-ins which have been blamed for the rash of fighters missing weight. I think there's certainly truth in that - but it's not because early weigh-ins are necessarily a bad thing. It's because most fighters are semi-professional and don't take the proper approach to their cuts. I was rewatching some of UFC 216 recently. Prior to that Dana White issued a message of condolence after the Las Vegas mass shooting and I thought about how there was really no one else who could represent the UFC and speak on it's behalf. He is really the only face of the company and at least sometimes that becomes a real disservice.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Robert Whittaker vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Yoel Romero</u></b><br />
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A rematch of their interim title fight at UFC 213, Whittaker and Romero meet for the full title in Whittaker's first defense. He was originally meant to meet Luke Rockhold in February but withdrew due to injury. Romero stepped in on short notice and stole the shot although he missed weight on that occasion so the UFC technically had an out if they did not want to book what is effectively an immediate rematch.<br />
<br />
Despite losing the first two rounds at UFC 213 and limping around for most of the fight with a sprained MCL, Whittaker cruised to a unanimous decision win in the final three rounds. Once he had a grasp of Romero's timing and patterns he was able to pick his spots and lines of attack. Romero was also unable to control the Antipodean with his wrestling. I quite like Whittaker to keep the momentum going, jabbing away at Romero and wearing him down. I'll be honest, it's not the most anticipated fight of the year for me. Despite this being a title fight, I think there are more exciting bouts ahead for both.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Rafael Dos Anjos vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Some Guy</u></b><br />
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I won't spend too long on this because the guy who is not Rafael Dos Anjos does not deserve the coverage. Unfortunately he is going to win this fight and have a belt strapped around his waist. This is an ideal matchup for him - there is a reason he started calling out Dos Anjos the instant the Brazilian moved up a weight. Expect this to look a bit like the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dos Anjos fight except with less ground strikes. Everything the other guy says about getting a knockout is bullshit and a lie. There will just be a whole lot of stalling because he doesn't have many ways of finishing.<br />
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<b><u>Holly Holm vs Megan Anderson</u></b><br />
<br />
Anderson is a very promising prospect and fun to watch striker who does not mind being the aggressor which is good news for the watchability of this fight. She was meant to be making her UFC debut around a year ago against Cyborg for the Featherweight title but withdrew for mysterious reasons she refused under any and all circumstances to disclose. There were many rumors flying around ranging from Visa issues to pregnancy but the most plausible explanation seems to be USADA related.<br />
<br />
In any case she finally gets a chance to prove herself against Holly Holm. On the one hand I can understand not wanting to throw her to Cyborg too soon and have her get demolished and have no future in the division. On the other, Holly Holm is no mark. Frankly they would have been better off keeping Cindy Dandois around - Anderson has improved significantly since her first meeting with the Belgian - she seems a quick and willing learner - and a shot for revenge would make a good storyline.<br />
<br />
Anderson is very powerful but in her career has only fought low level competition. Her toughest opposition by far came in her last fight over a year ago in the form of journeywoman Charmaine Tweet who touched Anderson quite a few times. The only strikers Holm has lost to in her MMA career have been women with a lot of professional kickboxing experience. She is a lot harder to connect on than most women in the upper weight classes and was not knocked down in five rounds by Cyborg. I think Holm will edge this with counterstriking and superior tactics. If that's the case it will hopefully trap the UFC into making Cyborg-Nunes next.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[9]</span> Andrei Arlovski vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[12]</span> Tai Tuivasa</u></b><br />
<br />
Since switching training camp from Jackson-Wink to American Top Team, Arlovski has engineered a mini-revival of fortunes. Against some admittedly inferior opposition, he has been better able to zone and protect his suspect chin. He will need all that skill in a matchup against knockout artist Tuivasa, a kickboxer and training partner of Mark Hunt.<br />
<br />
I think there are several factors working against Tuivasa. To begin with, this will be his first time fighting outside of Australia. The guys he has beaten so far in the UFC are total marks handpicked specifically to lose to him. All of his professional fights have ended in the first round so someone like Arlovski who might be able to frustrate him will test the fat man's cardio and heart.<br />
<br />
While there's certainly a great risk that Tuivasa could just throw hard and end things earlier, he can also be very undisciplined both in and out of the cage. He has a tendency to rush in and load up which an experienced kickboxer like Arlovski should in theory be able to capitalize on. So now that I have picked Arlovski to win for the first time in a very long time, you can certainly expect him to get wiped out in under a minute.<br />
<br />
<b><u>CM Punk vs Mike Jackson</u></b><br />
<br />
I know basically nothing about either of these guys as fighters but overall I feel there's not that much to know. With no tape to speak of and sparse experience, it will come down to fundamentals and who is more practised in their techniques. Now that the air of novelty is off "Phil" I am kind of doubting his PPV draw power to boot. Jackson opened as a favorite, has spent longer training in MMA, is younger (?) and presumably has had fewer concussions so I will pick him. Add on to that the distractions Punk has faced with a civil lawsuit against him concluding in the immediate leadup to the fight. Even if he wins, I don't know what is next for him. Can they really just keep bringing in no-level opponents just specifically for him?<br />
<br />
<b>I pick:</b> Whittaker, Not Dos Anjos, Holm, Arlovski, Jackson<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Whittaker, Dos Anjos, Anderson, Tuivasa, Jackson<br />
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There are some stories out there this week I'm curious to take a look at - but mostly just a look for now because they involve an element of wait and see. We'll wait and see if the rumors of Manchester United's Anthony Martial being traded to Dortmund in exchange for the |American forward Christian Pulisic are true. Pulisic is a gifted talent with a high ceiling. If he reaches his potential his nationality will grant him an easy path towards becoming a global superstar. He is already under a lot of pressure with the hopes of an embattled soccer federation on his shoulders and seems to handle it well. He was a United fan as a young boy and would be an ideal fit for the club in all facets. As good and beloved as Martial is, it's clear he is not in Jose Mourinho's plans or heart so I would do this deal. We'll see.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Petra Kvitova is one match away from back to back titles for the second time this year. Her opponent in the Madrid final is Kiki Bertens, very much a confidence player. She is very comfortable on clay and has been slowly building on her form year after year but when Petra, a momentum player, is on a roll she is incredibly difficult to stop and has an excellent record in finals. I would make her a slight favorite against Bertens who has been known to choke against mentally stronger players.<br />
<br />
Yair Rodriguez has apparently been cut by the UFC due to inactivity after refusing a fight with Zabit Magomedsharipov. According to Dana White he had also previously turned down a fight with Ricardo Lamas. It's quite a dramatic fall from grace for Rodriguez. At the start of last year he was fed BJ Penn to put him over and then jumped the line to face Frankie Edgar which would have cemented him as a star in a key demographic.<br />
<br />
We thought he would lose that fight but the way in which he got battered was eye opening. It's possible the beating he took broke his spirit a little. If he truly was dodging his obligations as a healthy, ranked fighter to perform then I can understand the move but the problem is not everyone who holds out waiting for the ideal opponent is held to the same standard. It's not just the Conor McGregors and Nate Diazs of the world picking their spots, we frequently hear stories and he said/she said of this fighter refused that fight and so on. Jimmie Rivera springs to mind in that regard. So whether this is a new UFC policy moving forward or just Dana being capricious once again we will have to wait and see. So far it is also not completely official so I'm also not certain that Dana's anger won't subside and he will reconsider dumping a very exciting guy to watch over a logistical squabble.<br />
<br />
A $150m deal was announced for fifteen live UFC events to be streamed on<br />
ESPN+, ESPN's new over the top service. I said before that ESPN and the UFC were not a brand fit and it would be a bad move but since then the President of the company got fired/resigned and there be an understanding developing at the executive level that they need to rein in some of their more obnoxious personalities.<br />
<br />
What they definitely are is desperate for content to make yet another paid subscription service in the world viable. From the UFC perspective, it is unclear whether the Endeavor people know anything about sports whatsoever so they probably just looked at the documents and said "ESPN? They do sports, right?" and signed off. Dana for his part seems to perpetually think it's ten years in the past and it has always been his wet dream to be officially associated with ESPN so I am not surprised.<br />
<br />
There is still no word on where the rest of the live shows will be broadcast meanwhile. The rumor previously was that rights would be split between ESPN and their existing home at FOX who I think the UFC has good synergy with. It may take some time for that situation to be figured out though as FOX is in flux with the Murdochs breaking up and selling off parts of that empire and FOX Sports also working on acquiring WWE rights.<br />
<br />
I saw something grumbling about how hiding content behind an ESPN paywall would not help the sport grow. I actually think this kind of initiative, spreading out rights across multiple platforms is not a bad strategy in such a fragmented media environment. What this is though is a middle finger to existing die hard fans who will be expected to pay for every service and also have their fight pass subscription rendered effectively pointless. We'll have to wait and see where the rest of the rights migrate to assess and pass judgement on the UFC's broadcast future.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Amanda Nunes vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Raquel Pennington</b></u><br />
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There's a narrative out here this week being pushed by an online LGBT publication that the UFC has not given Amanda Nunes 'the push' so to speak. While it's true that the UFC is abysmally poor sometimes in their promotional efforts, I don't think that is necessarily the case with Nunes. Twice she was on the main card on a PPV with Conor McGregor. She headlined UFC 200, a grand marquee event above Brock Lesnar. She headlined the marquee year end event against Ronda Rousey. She was booked to headline International Fight Week for the second year in a row at UFC 213 before 'the incident.'<br />
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That is a great deal more opportunities to leave a lasting mark in the minds of casual viewers than many other fighters receive. It's fair to say she was grossly under-promoted before UFC 207 where 101% of the focus was on Rousey. It's true also that Dana White tore into her after the sinusitis episode last July. But he treats many of his top ranked fighters very poorly. Just ask the likes of Tyron Woodley, Stipe Miocic and Demetrious Johnson. Nunes has had her chances. I rather suspect the same thing is true of her as for Rose Namajunas. She is just not the type of personality to chase that exposure.<br />
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It's a shame in the end they couldn't put Nunes vs Cyborg together for this card because I think there is a real risk that Pennington could win this and kill the division for good. "Rocky" hasn't fought since November 2016 but was making steady improvements up until then particularly in her ability to just survive and scrap. Nunes as we know has a cardio problem and can wear herself out quickly. She countered this in her last fight against Valentina Shevchenko by doing nothing for all five rounds but at home hoping to please the crowd against a brawler she won't get that luxury.<br />
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I envision Nunes being on top early, perhaps as long as the third round. But if Pennington can walk through the hard shots, I'd be very curious to see what happens late. I think the adrenaline dump for Nunes could be very bad and I am surprised the betting is so heavily in her favor. She might be able to survive the late rounds to win on points but there is no value in it. I like Pennington here.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[2] </span>Jacare Souza vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [5] </span>Kelvin Gastelum</b></u><br />
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After taking out Tim Kennedy, Vitor Belfort and Michael Bisping, Gastelum gets another grandpa of the middleweight division to build him and I expect that this fight will look a lot like what happened to Jacare when he fought Robert Whittaker. Regardless of what happens at UFC 225 I would love to see Whittaker vs Gastelum. That would be an incredible fight and I have no idea who I'd pick right now.<br />
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The odds slightly favor Jacare perhaps considering the size difference - Weidman threw Gastelum around like a bean bag and Souza is as large. He looked very fit and strong in his last bout, a main event on FOX in January. However despite the power of the opponent that day, Derek Brunson, Gastelum is more dangerous as a boxer and faster. If he can't get the finish I certainly think Gastelum takes the third round for sure.<br />
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<u><b>Mackenzie Dern vs Amanda Cooper</b></u><br />
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Dern took a lot of crap after her UFC debut at UFC 222 where her striking was I would say, at best, Rousey-esque. Once she got the fight to the ground it was sublime but she has no techniques to force it there. Fortunately her opponent is prone to making a lot of head-scratching mistakes and I'm sure will dive right into her guard without an invitation. Dern was heavily criticized for requiring an interpreter to wade through her thick Brazilian accent which seems out of place given she grew up in Arizona. She must've been home schooled like a tennis player, forced into the jiu-jitsu life by her heli-dad.<br />
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Notably, Dern missed weight by an astonishing 7lbs for this fight. It suggests to me she didn't even really try with her cut and does not take this lifestyle choice very seriously. She should be able to get away with it against someone like 'ABC' who has been brought over to make her look good but she will never ascend to the highest level of the sport with this mindset. It's a shame because the natural talent appears to be there.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[6]</span> John Lineker vs Brian Kelleher</b></u><br />
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I think Lineker wins this. Kelleher is a very good finisher but those opportunities are very scarce against a guy like Lineker who you have to keep your distance from on the feet because he hits with power and doesn't flinch whenbhit back. Kelleher is a more fun and varied fighter to watch though so I hope I'm wrong. I find Lineker very basic.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[9]</span> Vitor Belfort vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [12]</span> Lyoto Machida</u></b><br />
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Both these guys are so washed up. I had actually forgotten Machida "won" his last fight against Eryk Anders because that's not the fight I watched but that's judging in Brazil for you. Belfort claims this will be his last fight but then again he said that last time before he "won" against Nate Marquardt. Hopefully Machida wins and takes on Michael Bisping next in London or Manchester. I think he is slightly less of a faded force than Belfort who in his current existence won't be missed.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Pennington, Gastelum, Dern, Lineker, Machida<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> TBA<br />
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The relatively light scheduling, only one event in the last five weeks, has come in handy allowing the UFC to stack their April Pay Per View so even though the loss of Tony Ferguson is devastating, it's not disastrous. More scarce scheduling also leaves fighters free to step in on late notice although there are some who notably did not jump sat the chance. It also proved however that it is not vital. No one missed it while it was gone and any equity they built in the summer years of Ronda and Conor has well and truly been squandered. Regular service is set to be resumed with packed weekends ahead so here are some thoughts on some upcoming fights before we look at the card coming on Saturday...<br />
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Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje: It should go without saying this is going to be fun and a well fitting main event for big FOX. Things do not get easier for Gaethje. It perhaps would have been better for 'building' him to match him with someone else coming off a loss. I think Poirier is peaking and ready to challenge the top of the division.<br />
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Alexa Grasso vs Tatiana Suarez: Whoever thought this booking was a good idea would be fired in my UFC. Easy win for Suarez.<br />
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Stephen Thompson vs Darren Till: This is not quite as big a mismatch but the principle is similar. I don't think Till as a striker is anywhere close to the level of an undefeated karate champion. Till is talked about as a knockout artist but has only finished two of five fights in the UFC. It's much easier to knock guys out at regional level. Thompson seemed to tire towards the end of his fight with Jorge Masvidal but if Till as he enjoys claiming is a Light Heavyweight fighting at Welterweight he too will wear down and the adjoining dehydration will be an impediment to his hopes of staying conscious. Too much too soon?<br />
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Jimmie Rivera vs Marlon Moraes: In an ideal world, Moraes would take out the most boring fighter on the UFC roster but 5 rounds I have a suspicion "Magic" will come out emotional and suffer a severe adrenaline dump allowing Rivera to poke and leg kick his way to a decision win. If the UFC does a show in Mexico, Houston or New Jersey late in the year, look for him to get a title shot on that card.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Khabib Nurmagomedov vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[11]</span> Al Iaquinta</b></u><br />
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I like Raging Al a lot but I think this is a tough spot for him. He has the power and unorthodox style to cause trouble for anyone but the way Khabib dominates opponents on the ground is tough to overlook. Once the fight was officially announced late yesterday, Khabib opened some places as a sorely overpriced -1050 favorite and even with bettors chasing the value is still vey dear. In this case we're only worried about who wins the fight and we think Khabib will be better prepared for what Al brings than Al will be for Khabib<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Rose Namajunas vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [1]</span> Joanna Jedrzejczyk</u></b><br />
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After losing her Strawweight crown to Thug Rose - by the way, a fight made thoroughly unrewatchable thanks to a certain commentator's screeching at the conclusion - Joanna proceeded to blame everyone under the sun apart from herself. In the days running up to that fight I became very nervous the more she acted out. By the time she got into the octagon and was mean mugging her opponent I knew the karma was strong and she would go down hard.<br />
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Regardless of whether mistakes were made by the people around her I don't think the approach Joanna is taking, at least publicly, is correct. When things go wrong, accept the responsibility yourself and ask what "I" can do better next time. It makes the past easier to accept and the path forward clearer.<br />
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Firas Zahabi in his break down of the fight noted that the way a Muay Thai fighter matches up with a boxer is very disadvantageous to the Muay Thai fighter without modification because it leaves them open to being punched in the face over and over. It's something we've seen repeatedly happen to Doanld Cerrone and it happened to Joanna when she fought Rose the first time at UFC 217 last November. The way she talks I don't think Joanna learnt the right lessons. It's very difficult to break patterns that have existed over the course of an over decade long career in fighting.<br />
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Before she fought Jessica Andrade I prophesied doom for Joanna who had mentioned the dreaded "R" word - Retirement. She prevailed easily on that occasion but I think this loss is in her head now and will prove her downfall on top of the stylistic deficiency. It's a real shame because she was a great champion and I was anticipating an MMA rematch with Valentina Shevchenko down the line.<br />
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For Rose Namajunas, she has gone from Bill Simmons proclaiming a movie should be made about her to fading away and being completely being overshadowed in her own title defence. I think she is just a very low key person who prefers it this way but a lot of people really want it for her. As I said before, it won't happen until she grows her hair back. It's just the way it is.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[11]</span> Renato Moicano vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[13]</span> Calvin Kattar</u></b><br />
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It's really odd the UFC has taken to putting these kind of no name matchups in a money slot on the PPV. This isn't a rave, it's not a choreographed production, we should be looking for all rise. Moicano has good skills but is completely unknown despite outpointing Jeremy Stephens on the main card of UFC on FOX 24. He was beating future UFC champion Brian Ortega on the feet in his last fight until he made the indescribably stupid decision to change levels and shovel his neck directly into Ortega's guillotine.<br />
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Kattar has high fight IQ and is comfortable both zoning and slugging at close range. I think this one could be razor thin but Kattar's decisive advantage in gameplanning will see him on the right side of the score cards.<br />
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<b><u>Zabit Magomedsharipov vs Kyle Bochniak</u></b><br />
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This fight was promoted to the main card after the incident Thursday. I won't talk too much about it. I'll take a leaf from the book of some radio hosts in America who now refuse to name or glorify mass shooting perpetrators. I don't have an awful lot to talk about this fight either. Bochniak is alright but nothing special for this level. Magomedsharipov is a blue chip prospect and an elite finisher. This will be a good showcase for him to make a name for himself and I expect him to win comfortably.<br />
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<u><b>Joe Lauzon vs Chris Gruetzemacher</b></u><br />
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This bout was promoted to main card after all the shenanigans with NYSAC on Friday. The New York commission is making quite a name for themselves in regard to their obduracy but even as messy as pulling Max Holloway from the main event for "Reasons", refusing to sanction Paul Felder due to the UFC's bogus official rankings and the inflexibility on weighing in, I don't think anything will ever beat pulling Pearl Gonzalez from her fight last year because of her fake boobs.<br />
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I didn't look closely into this fight. Lauzon has struggled for wins lately but he has generally been matched up against other experienced and decorated fighters. Gruetzemacher seems like a guy who never really adjusted to the level of the UFC. I think Lauzon's experience will see him through.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Nurmagomedov, Namajunas, Kattar, Magomedsharipov, Lauzon<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> TBA<br />
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Apart from glancing at it on the televisions at the gym, I watched not a minute of the recently passed Winter Olympics of my own volition. I did however visit some relatives over Chinese New Year who had recorded some of it for us to watch in the afternoon with a particular emphasis on figure skating.<br />
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For them figure skating is not just an Olympic diversion, it's a sport they follow all year round, all around the world. They eagerly anticipated the performance of the apparent superstar Yuzuru Hanyu and his stablemate, the Spaniard Javier Fernández. Rounding out the podium was Shoma Uno or was he was dubbed, Fei Jai - Fat Kid (allegedly). Ageing Canadian Patrick Chan was described as a beautiful skater but incapable of jumping.<br />
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Then there was the supposed dark cloud of the event. China is hosting the Winter Olympics in 2022 and are thus pumping untold millions into developing competitors who will ne capable of winning medals. Like many things that emerge from regimes historically culturally crushed by communism, the results are somewhat mechanical. Exhibit A: Jin Boyang. As my uncle explained to me, "This boy, he can really jump. But his art is shit. We don't want people like that in our sport."<br />
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I of course couldn't really tell one way or another apart from noticing he seemed to rush through a lot of his performance. It got me thinking about how this sentiment could relate to a sport I know much better - MMA. Who are the kind of fighters we don't need in our sport? Flyin' Brian of MMA Mania asked this week what is more important to you when watching MMA, high level technique or entertaining storyline/personality? I would lean towards the former but for me really it'd be option three: Willingness to trade.<br />
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What are the fights and who are the fighters who live longest in the memory? Robbie Lawler's war with Rory McDonald. Shogun-Henderson. Anything involving Justin Gaethje. Those are the types of fights as a fan you take along to your uninitiated friend and say, "Here, watch this!" knowing it will get them as hyped up as you. They don't need a storyline, the action sells itself. In fights like these technique goes out the window because the combatants are punch-drunk, exhausted and desperate. That's a beautiful thing. That's not to say true fight IQ and patience are not also beautiful things but it's not quite the same rush of blood to the head.<br />
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Kamaru Usman has been chatting up a storm on social media trying to call out Cosby Corbynton, a fight that makes sense from a matchmaking perspective. They're both outstanding wrestlers capable of winning any fight they're booked in. Neither is a guy I care to watch. I want to watch fighters WIN a FIGHT. Not hold someone on the ground for fifteen minutes. Nor do we want staring contests or point fighters who have no way of finishing opponents. What's particularly maddening about someone like Usman is he is clearly capable of great things but too often plays it safe.<br />
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Sometimes you will get screeching shills like Ariel Helwani chastising fans for booing Tyron Woodley in his last two fights. But if a fight is boring, it's boring. Enabling such inactive gameplans, "fighting smart" as they call it, contributes to the slow death of cage fighting. I don't want that for my sport.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u><b>Cris Cyborg vs Yana Kunitskaya</b></u><br />
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There's no need to talk too long about this fight. I think they should've just spiked the PPV and moved some of these fights onto a FOX card but there's no need to pile on because the sad state of affairs is very self evident. Kunitskaya has ok all around skills and is an upper tier competitor in Invicta but unless Cyborg gets really lazy, she has no chance in this fight and will likely get finished like all the other undersized girls Cyborg battles. Moving on.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Frankie Edgar vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[3]</span> Brian Ortega</u></b><br />
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So I had a dream the other day that t this event Max Holloway fought Dustin Poirier for his title on short notice and in the second round after each had kicked out one another's legs and both were sliding around the sweat and blood on the cage floor, Poirier punched Holloway hard enough for Max's arm to tear clean off. Lucky for him then that he dropped out with an injury and will not be competing this weekend!<br />
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In the meantime Edgar meets Ortega shockingly NOT for an interim title. I think it could've been a great main event for the FOX card last weekend. Despite his advancing years Edgar remains a threat in all areas of the cage but his best weapon - his wrestling and top control - would be a very dangerous course of action against submission master Ortega.<br />
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In an orthodox striking match I think Edgar would also have the advantage against his less practised opponent but as we saw in his fight with Cub Swanson, Ortega can just climb on you anyway and apply a choke out of nowhere. I am backing the young gun to find another against the odds finish. When it happens five times in a row, it's a pattern and a sign of his great natural fight instincts.<br />
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<b><u>Sean O'Malley vs Andre Soukhamthath</u></b><br />
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There is a trend lately of NBA players growing their hair out high to pad their official height statistics and make themselves out to be more impressive than they really are. I get the same kind of vibe from Sean O'Malley's Fellaini-do. It's more for effect than anything else, a misdirect or maybe a substitute for personality. It matches his fight style which is high on flash and lateral movement.<br />
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With his fun to watch style and persona he is clearly someone the UFC is keen to push, throwing him straight onto a prime PPV slot, albeit on one that won't get many buys. His opponent, the Laotian Soukhamthath is well chosen for him. I'm sure the announcer will talk about how both men are heavy hitters with knockout power but I'm not so sure.<br />
<br />
I think both guys also think they hit harder than they really do. Soukhamthath waits a bit too much sometimes looking for big shots. I think he will find them hard to land against the very long O'Malley. "Sugar" has many weaknesses in his game yet to iron out but the early signs are interesting and his activity will see him to a decision win here.<br />
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Plus of course, the most important factor, Asian guys always flop on big cards and embarrass all of us brothers. Especially one who goes round calling himself the Asian Sensation. Doomed.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[10]</span> Stefan Struve vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[12]</span> Andrei Arlovski</b></u><br />
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Before the big changes to the card that were made after Max Holloway's withdrawal, this was the co-main event which is just hilarious. Stefan Struve is probably one of the most disappointing and inconsistent Heavyweights of all time but he should be able to easily handle the shadow of "former champion" Arlovski.<br />
<br />
"Pit Bull" snapped a five fight losing streak, four of which he was TKO'd in, against the ludicrously flabby Junior Albini - a guy with an inflated reputation following an undeserved Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Long Island. It was not fun to watch and it's baffling that he's been allowed back on a main card outside of Europe. If Struve doesn't finish him I think we can fairly stick a fork in both.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[6]</span> Cat Zingano vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Ketlen Vieira</u></b><br />
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It is always hard for ageing athletes to make successful returns after long layoffs. Zingano has not fought in twenty months and only twice in the last three and a half years, both losses. Before her troubles though she was on an outstanding run having outlasted and TKO'd two future champions in Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes.<br />
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Vieira has a similar build to Nunes with her long frame but her striking is far more basic if you can believe it. She is constantly loading up looking for power head shots and sometimes throws them in flurries which looks good for judges but is predictable for opponents. If Zingano is on form she should be able to find adequate counters.<br />
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Both are much stronger with their grappling where top position is key for both. Zingano is usually a slow starter but that trend was reversed in her last outing against Julianna Peña where she struggled to escape from the ground. It's difficult to predict how she will look after so much time off but my guess is it will be another struggle for her.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Cyborg, Ortega, O'Malley, Struve, Vieira<br />
<br />
<b>Chris picks:</b> TBA<br />
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<b>"POJD!!!"</b><br />
The trademark scream of Petra Kvitova rings out across center court in Doha as she wins a critical point in the final of the tournament against former world number one and reigning Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza. Roughly translating from Czech as "Come On!" it's a sure sign that both her head and heart are now firmly engaged in the contest. After starting the match 0-5 she has fought all the way back to tie it at a set a piece and is poised to take control. Her greatest comeback though was made last year.<br />
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On 20 December 2016, Kvitova was assaulted in her home by an intruder posing as a utility worker who placed a knife at her throat. Instinctively reaching up with her left hand - her racket hand - she grabbed the blade in an ultimately successful attempt to fight off and drive away her attacker but sustained severe wounds to all five of her fingers. Four hours of emergency surgery followed, nerves and tendons sewn back together. She spent two months with her hand in a splint and many experts feared she would never be able to play tennis at a competitive level again.<br />
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Petra Kvitova’s playing hand a little over 13 months ago. <a href="https://t.co/tXMvyj2CyZ">pic.twitter.com/tXMvyj2CyZ</a></div>
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) <a href="https://twitter.com/FortyDeuceTwits/status/965348199207718919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Flash forward to the present where she has won thirteen straight matches and back to back titles in St Petersburg and Doha, dispatching six top ten ranked opponents along the way. As of today on SkyBet she is the second favorite behind the always overpriced Serena Williams t add a third Wimbledon championship to her collection this summer. The will involved is remarkable and really comes from a very simple place.<br />
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Love of life and of the game she plays propelled her on her course to recovery. In an era of grievance she declared just days after the attack that she did not see herself as a victim. <i><b>“I do not feel sorry for myself and I will not look backwards"</b></i>. It's human nature to dwell on traumas and mistakes past but time spent worrying about things that can't be changed makes it difficult to heal.<br />
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That attitude has reinforced itself on the court in her 'second career'. Error riddled first sets against Muguruza and Caroline Wozniacki were quickly forgotten as she powered her way through to the victorious end in Doha. Speaking before the first match of her comeback in 2017 she explained, <i><b>“Sometimes when I miss a ball now I don’t cry. I missed being on the court. I missed the fight. Now I can just enjoy everything. Sometimes I just stand outside and see the sun and say ‘Oh, it's beautiful.’ I see different kinds of things than I did before.”</b></i><br />
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One of my favorite moments of last night: <a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> enjoys watching the fans do the Mexican wave why Muguruza was receiving her MTO. <a href="https://t.co/O9C2h3XZSf">pic.twitter.com/O9C2h3XZSf</a></div>
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/965637541411147777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Colin Cowherd often likes to say that great people are self motivated - the idea being if you need someone else to motivate you, you could be good, you could be very good but you'll never be great. In a sense it's a fairly pessimistic view but there is a quality about Kvitova that certainly elevates her. <b><i>"I like challenges and this has been one of the biggest, of course. I stayed alive, I have all my fingers and I can play tennis."</i></b> She was a champion long before the incident. Now I believe we can call her a legend.<br />
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One of the things that feeds her greatness is how uncomplicated her outlook is. Asked about how she would beat fellow bomber Jelena Ostapenko she replied she would have to be "even more aggressive and hit the ball harder". While other athletes concern themselves with frivolities and image, Kvitova's goals are far clearer and more pure in intent. <b><i>"This is what I fought so hard to come back and play tennis for. I always said that I'm not here just to play tennis; I'm here to play my best and to win trophies"</i></b>.<br />
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"<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> has adapted because, as <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillieJeanKing</a>'s old saying goes, champions adjust" - <a href="https://twitter.com/Martina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Martina</a> Navratilova--> <a href="https://t.co/hu0qFB3T68">https://t.co/hu0qFB3T68</a> <a href="https://t.co/P3888eHiLn">pic.twitter.com/P3888eHiLn</a></div>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/967020399186927618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One of the things I often harp on is how insane it is for anyone to idolising an athlete or other celebrity. This rose to farcical levels with <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2018/02/how-darko-grncarov-tricked-serena-williams-and-the-bbc.html" target="_blank">the article revealing the fraud behind Darko Grncarov</a>, a "player" praised and followed by many for his social media posts. Subsequently, rabid fans of Serena Williams accused the author of the piece Ben Rothenberg of holding a vendetta against the Williams sisters and only pursuing the story because it painted her in a bad light. I really believe worshipping celebrities damages your brain. If you're a doctor or medical researcher, please start a study on this.<br />
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It's reasonable though to have deep admiration for certain people though - and in some cases more than others. Asked how she had managed to win thirteen consecutive matches, claim her second straight title and beaten four of the world's top ten players on her way to a championship in Doha she answered, <i><b>“I don’t know. I just... tried?"</b></i>. That's all anyone expects. No complaints and no hubris. Just try your best in life.<br />
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It's an approach to existence that has seen her win five straight - six in the last seven years - WTA Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Awards, a peer voted honor. A champion in all aspects. <b><i>“The courage and belief, that’s what I probably had to have in this kind of situation. The belief and the mind, the heart, it’s really important.”</i></b><br />
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Courage, Belief and Pojd. Petra Kvitova, I'm honored to be your fan.<br />
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With Max Holloway out of his title fight against Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 due to an injury, the Las Vegas based promotion has reshuffled its deck and come up with a new main event that's the surest sign yet that it's high time the UFC drastically scale back their PPV business if not spike it entirely. We'll wait for it to roll around and see if the scheduled fights actually happen before commenting too much on that front.<br />
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With FOX spending big for Thursday night NFL rights, the bargaining position for UFC broadcast rights continues to weaken. There's no chance whatsoever they'll be able to extract the $400m per year they were reportedly hoping for but a step in the right direction would be guaranteeing more title fights for the broadcast network. Frankly I'm not even sure Cyborg vs Kunitskaya would be a legitimate FS1 main event. But at least people would know who they were and maybe start caring a little if they could watch them without having to pay for them.<br />
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Meanwhile I'm ready to announce the first main event for the Oceanic Fighting Championship (formerly Openweight Fighting Championship but retaining the same initials). Before Stipe Miocic broke the consecutive Heavyweight title defence record last month, Daniel Cormier had talked about going up in weight to defend Cain Velasquez's honor in that regard. Now he and Miocic are fighting for real in the summer. So in the meantime how about Cain goes and defends DC's honor? Battling at Openweight I present to you Jon Jones vs Cain Velasquez. Since we're in international waters, both can do whatever steroids they need to in order to make it to the fight. Who says no to that?<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Yoel Romero vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Luke Rockhold</u></b><br />
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Well I held off talking about this godawful card, Exhibit A in why the UFC should abandon the PPV business, for as long as I could but here we go. This is the only fight at the event worth paying for. I would be shocked if this did more than 250k buys. After the withdrawal of Robert Whittaker due to injury, Romero and Rockhold battle for an interim title because of course they do. Romero was set to face David Branch, Rockhold's last victim, before the late call up.<br />
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As much as I like Michael Bisping it's fair to acknowledge at this point his knockout win over Rockhold was very, very fortunate and a true indicator of where either man stands in their career. With that loss, a knee injury and a slow start against Branch however, some seem to disregard how dangerous Rockhold truly is. An elite wrestler and BJJ practitioner, his weakest point might actually be his striking where he is known for his deadly array of kicks.<br />
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Romero will likely attempt to crowd Rockhold and force a power attack early. Other than the Bisping fight, his chin has held up for the most part. Rockhold may want to go at the legs and body with kicks but will be wary of Romero grabbing his leg and explode into position. I think fighting someone as diverse as Rockhold over five rounds will wear on the forty year old Romero though. Whittaker came out on top of him over five with a busted knee and Rockhold has many more ways of finishing a fight. I don't think this one goes the distance.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Mark Hunt vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[9]</span> Curtis Blaydes</u></b><br />
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While young talent is pushing its way to the top of pile in the lighter divisions with manifold skills and styles exposing former stars as one-dimensional brawlers, the opposite seems to be happening at Heavyweight. The great future hope of Francis Ngannou was brutally exposed at UFC 220 while another fêted prospect in Curtis Blaydes is just as rough-hewn.<br />
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Blaydes is a former wrestling national champion at JUCO leveland will attempt to muscle his way inside and control the fight with his grappling. I think the UFC us hoping he will win this but I also think they'll end up disappointed. Highly motivated fighting at home Hunt has the experience to win clinch situations and hurt his opponent with his heavy strikes. Blaydes is very durable and will keep fighting through whatever punishment he receives but this is perhaps too big a jump for him or most of these other younger Heavyweights right now.<br />
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<b><u>Tai Tuivasa vs Cyril Asker</u></b><br />
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Or indeed, "Who?" vs "WHO?". Tuivasa is a training partner of Mark Hunt's and has won all eight of his professional fights by T/KO. Asker is a jobber they fly into various places hoping his opponent will beat the crap out of him and make a name for themselves. I think they'll get their wish in this case. Too bad no one will see it! They should have downgraded this event to a Fight Night the moment Whittaker got knocked off.<br />
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<b><u>Jake Matthews vs Li Jingliang</u></b><br />
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Matthews showed some promise as a Lightweight when he first emerged in the UFC but has tailed off and stopped progressing in recent times. He seems to panic easily and forget his gameplan making the classic MMA mistake of diving for a takedown when overwhelmed whether he is having success or not.<br />
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Of course none of this matters at all. He is fighting an Asian guy in a big spot and one I quite like at that so he 100% certainty nailed on to win. Expect Matthews to get a takedown early in each round and lie on top of "The Leech" the whole time.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[13]</span> Tyson Pedro vs Saparbek Safarov</b></u><br />
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I mean, really? This is another set-up for the local fighter and possible prospect. It's not the kind of dangerously mis-matched farce that Valentina Shevchenko vs Priscilla Cachoeira was but Safarov lost to Gian Villante. That's really all you need to know.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Rockhold, Hunt, Tuivasa, Matthews, Pedro<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Rockhold, Hunt, Tuivasa, Li, Safarov<br />
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With Uriah Hall's illness and subsequent withdrawal from Fight Night St Louis, there are sure to be the usual rash of stories decrying the evils of weight cutting and calling for hundreds of new weight classes to be added to official competition. We won't get into why that's dumb (and it is very dumb), instead I have a better idea.<br />
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With Robert Whittaker's injury and inability to defend his title at UFC 221, Yoel Romero jumps in to replace him and OF COURSE fight for an interim belt coming off a loss. Rockhold-Romero is still a fun fight and could go five rounds with no hardware but why not. The UFC is telling us they don't give a shit about belts, they're just a meaningless prop so who cares? Forget about belts, forget rankings because they're also irrelevant in UFC matchmaking.<br />
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And now, with all the weight cut issues, why do we need weight classes? Back in the good old (?) days there was no such thing anyway. Do two guys look roughly comparable in size? Good enough. Apparently a Saudi fund wants to invest in WME. Get one of the sheikhs to loan you a yacht, sail into international waters and unveil the Openweight Fighting Championships, baby. No tax either so you can pay your constantly complaining fighters a little more and keep them happy. Now we can finally make fights the fans want to see. I've solved your problems, UFC.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Stipe Miocic vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Francis Ngannou</u></b><br />
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Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic has cleaned out four consecutive opponents in the first round and seeks a record breaking third title defence against one of the most hyped Heavyweight prospects of all time. "The Predator" proved his championship credentials with a knockout of the year contender over Alistair Overeem at UFC 218 in Detroit and the recent history of both men points towards a first round finish.<br />
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I don't think Ngannou is quite the unstoppable force he is claimed to be. His endurance has never been tested and no one has really challenged him with any kind of varied striking. A lot of that is down to how shallow the Heavyweight division is and how artificially accelerated his ascent has been. Overeem, meant to be his toughest test, had fought with a more intelligent style recently but completely flopped against Ngannou.<br />
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Stipe has the technical skills and awareness to land on the challenger. The problems are that first of all Ngannou is huge, bigger than Stipe which is a common occurrence and unlike most Heavyweight stars, at his absolute peak physically. Stipe may consider using some of his underrated wrestling but Ngannou is so athletic and powerful that he can negate gaps in skill.<br />
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Ultimately my feeling is Miocic gets hit too much. Junior Dos Santos landed in Stipe's last fight at UFC 211 and Overeem knocked him down before then at UFC 203. I think his chin is proven suspect and with Ngannou it only takes one. I don't think the Predator's reign will last as long as some may forecast but I do think it begins with victory here. I also think the UFC should ban Ariel Helwani for life (again) because it's possible he killed any chance Ngannou will become a big fan favorite by goading him into speaking ill of Donald Trump. Ngannou should've taken <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/bizarre-question-colin-kaepernick-makes-nick-kyrgios-end-interview-161154818.html" target="_blank">a leaf from Nick Kyrgios's book</a>.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Daniel Cormier vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Volkan Oezdemir</u></b><br />
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Oezdimir gets a title shot despite facing felony assault charges so it could get awkward if he wins here but I don't think that will happen and it really shouldn't. Volkan has caused a stir by winning his last two against highly regarded opponents with flash knockouts. Against Ovince St Preux, his overall game was just okay though and against someone like DC who can take a shot, it figures to be exposed.<br />
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I expect Cormier to be able to get in close, take Volkan down and wear him out. The finish will come sooner rather than later and next up will be a Gustafsson rematch which will be a significantly more difficult fight to handicap.<br />
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<b><u>Calvin Kattar vs Shane Burgos</u></b><br />
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With two huge fighters at the top of the card, the UFC takes the opportunity to showcase some lesser known fighters. It's a move that is much derided by those hoping for super cards but it might behove them to save some big fights for nights sporting a weaker main event. I bet for example they would have something better for UFC on FOX 28 than Jeremy Stephens vs Josh Emmett.<br />
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Burgos is an exciting prospect who walks forward and boxes with power. Large for the division, he hangs his chin out here but has good movement and can take the hits without wincing. Kattar will be the hometown favorite. He is a veteran with good experience in the sport but has not been so active in recent times.<br />
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This figures to be a close range slugfest between two similar punchers willing to fire at the right opportunity. At 10-0 Burgos has undefeated mystique and is surely someone to watch in the future. But Kattar is intelligent, well-coached and great value as an underdog. I think he scores enough points with leg kicks and smart counter-striking to earn a decision win.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[15]</span> Gian Villante vs Francimar Barroso</u></b><br />
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I would say I'm not sure how Gian Villante is still ranked but that's testament to how weak the Light Heavyweight roster is. I suspect at heavier weights guys are too in love with their power to be bothered with developing technique. There's nothing Villante does really well but his striking is competent and his takedown defence is good enough. I think Barroso is just about done and Villante should have enough to outpoint him and perhaps even get a finish. I'm actually not sure how this makes the main card other than the fact Villante is a buddy of Dana White.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[10]</span> Thomas Almeida vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[14]</span> Rob Font</u></b><br />
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This on the other hand, despite both fighters come off a loss is a great fight that I'm looking forward to seeing. It promises to be an all-action banger between two guys who swing with abandon. I think Almeida lost a lot of his swagger when he got knocked out by Cody Garbrandt. To me he doesn't look as confident and it showed in his last matchup, a decision loss to the reliably boring Jimmie Rivera.<br />
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As much as they each walk into danger, I'm reminded that Rob Font survived three rounds against John Lineker. I think he comes out inspired and lands enough to hurt and put away the technically more fluid fighter and get a big win at home.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Ngannou, Cormier, Kattar, Villante, Font<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Miocic, Oezdemir, Kattar, Vilante, Almeida<br />
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The numbers for their next FOX show will not improve. Brunson vs Jacare is a good fight but to headline a big show? No. There's no momentum behind it - a guy whose last two fights were gimmes against decrepit old men versus another guy coming off a loss. If Brunson wins, does he go on to a title shot? Probably not if Whittaker wins at UFC 221. Souza definitely won't. Good luck selling that.<br />
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Rafael Dos Anjos, the winner of the recent main event should get the next title shot - his fighting style is pressure-based and action packed, an antidote to recent Welterweight title fight woes. A dominant win over the former champion and his own status as a former champion in another weight class give him the credentials. Instead most of the talk is about some twerp who got slapped around by a boomerang. The champion himself is in limbo, how quickly will Tyron Woodley be able to recover from his recent surgery? The lack of interest makes some sense.<br />
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It's not all bad news - the recent Fight Night card did a respectable number on FS1 and was headlined by Sub Swanson vs Brian Ortega - a fight I called for after Ortega submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 214. It's time to push some of the young handsome fighters and most importantly, dynamic finishers, ie not boring ass wrestlers who get out struck by jiu-jitsu fighters. For the women, where the finishers can be harder to find, it may upset the hardcore fans but make sure the ones you're pushing at the top of the card are, shall we say, presentable. There's a reason Octagon girls are so popular! Most key of all, make sure the main and co-main events mean something real - for the winner, a clear goal must be in sight. If I remember, I'll outline some more specific matchups I hope to see going forward. Here's to a much improved 2018!<br />
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Picks after the jump<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u>Cris Cyborg vs Holly Holm</u></b><br />
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According to Dana White if Holly Holm wins this fight it would be hard to make a case against her being the GOAT of Women's MMA. Of course, that's nonsense. Just his usual hyperbole. Her only other credible wins are a lousy split decision over Raquel Pennington and the upset of Ronda Rousey. Despite the increasingly awful three losses in a row she suffered after, I wouldn't call what happened In Sydney just over two years ago a fluke. It's really what Mike Winklejohn saw when he encouraged his star pupil to make the crossover from boxing - a perfect stylistic matchup.<br />
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Cyborg has a much better claim to be the greatest female fighter of all time - a run of thirteen straight TKO victories underline her dominance in a career where she has been undefeated since losing her debut in 2005. She does have anywhere near the kind of star power purists think she should though. Though she shared the spotlight in her pioneering main event fight in Strikeforce against Gina Carano, it was clearly Carano who was the draw. In later year she was known more for calling out Ronda Rousey than her own exploits in Invicta. She needs to be carried for mainstream audiences is what I'm saying.<br />
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This is where we get back the need for you to help yourself. I'm not saying she has to play the princess like her good friend Paige VanZant. But neither is there any call for her to lean into the widespread perception that she juices. She was signed by Zuffa to fight at 135lbs and instead bulked up to the point where she was allegedly risking her health cutting to 140. Now she is the ruler of a division with no contenders, no interest and no prestige. A terrible business decision both for herself and the UFC.<br />
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I think it could be about to get a lot worse for her. The last few years, the UFC has tried to stack the year end card as a tentpole event. They flat out failed this year. There is no way this main event draws more than 300k buys. It reminds me of UFC 208 when Holm-De Randamie was announced for the card and we were all waiting for the real main event to be announced. The people who do watch it I think are likely to see a staring contest for a lot of it - that's Holm's trademark and Cyborg has been notoriously patient inside the Octagon.<br />
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Cyborg trains with the excellent Jason Parillo but the one thing we've never seen is how she would handle a drawn out five round fight. Ignore what Joe Rogan was yelling about Holly Holm being rocked during her bout with Germaine de Randamie, she has no problems with her chin. She will be well aware of Cyborg's reputation and ought to be able to move effectively and she will be more than happy to allow her opponent to lead and pick her shots. I think Cyborg is overvalued at -360 and can see an ugly decision awaiting us at the end of the night.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Khabib Nurmagomedov vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Edson Barboza</u></b><br />
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The winner of this fight has a big problem because they will have no opponent going forward. This ought to be a number one contender fight but of course we have a champion who is too busy getting coked up to fight the interim champion who is well within his rights to sit and wait for the UFC to stop sitting on their hands and order the Dublin Shagger back into the cage. Dana White's forecast for when a McGregor-Ferguson unification bout keeps slipping further and further back. At first is meant rumored to be at this very event, UFC 219. Then it was modified to Spring 2018 and now all of a sudden, Summer! If the victor here wants a title shot, I estimate a wait of a year minimum.<br />
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That would be deathly for Khabib's reputation as a guy who doesn't fight enough despite his dominating performances once he actually does. If he wins, he might have to fight Eddie Alvarez or Dustin Poirier for the Interim Interim Lightweight belt. I think he does win. Edson Barboza has well earned reputation has a spectacular knockout finisher but much of his success is built on kicks and kicks get caught by elite wrestlers. Once it goes to the ground he has been known to panic and get submitted. There is certainly no chance if he does get taken down that Nurmagomedov ever lets him back up.<br />
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<b><u>Dan Hooker vs Marc Diakiese</u></b><br />
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This bout replaces the Jimmie Rivera versus Dominick Cruz/John Lineker/Marlon Moraes/John Dodson fight originally slated for the main card. Hooker looked great in his first fight back up at Lightweight, destroying Ross Pearson in the second round. It was only Ross Pearson though. Diakiese meanwhile had his legs brutalized in a decision loss to Drakkar Klose, a defeat that looks even worse in retrospect given Klose's embarassing performance against David Teymur at UFC 218. I don't have a strong lean for this one but I think Diakiese has the tools to be a future star and will have been working ahrd to erase the disappointment of his last outing. A decision win for the Bonecrusher.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[6]</span> Cynthia Calvillo vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[9]</span> Carla Esparza</u></b><br />
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This is probably going to be a terrible fight which is why no one seems to want to talk about it in their previews for this event. Calvillo has had a very fast rise in 2017 winning three, losing none and doubling her number of career pro fights. Her strength is on the ground but I don't think she has the takedowns to put Carla Esparza on her back and think she will also be hesitant to try.<br />
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Esparza will look to control the fight in the clinch but will be wary of going to the ground knowing how adept Cynthia is at reversing position. Neither one of these ladies can strike. I think Calvillo will enjoy a slight size advantage so I lean that way. Don't be surprised if this ends in a split decision.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[8]</span> Carlos Condit vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[12]</span> Neil Magny</u></b><br />
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MMA afficionados were delighted when Carlos Condit decided to return to the cage after a year and a half out ruminating on his future. The fan favorite is an aggressive entertaining striker and one of the classiest guys in the business to boot. In a Welterweight division struggling for dynamic performers he would be a welcome boon for UFC matchmakers.<br />
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I think they tried to give him a soft landing here. Neil Magny is a good all around fighter and a respectable opponent but he is not great at anything. "The Natural Born Killer" is a more talented and vicious striker. Magny will likely look for the takedown, Condit's big weakness but on the ground I think it will be a more even match than when either man fought Demian Maia. I think a lot depends on Condit's mindset. If he is all right, I think he handles this, finishes and vaults himself back into the title picture.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Holm, Nurmagomedov, Diakiese, Calvillo, Condit<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Holm, Barboza, Diakiese, Esparza, Magny<br />
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jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-19822984611264318512017-12-02T03:22:00.002-08:002017-12-02T03:22:40.712-08:00UFC 218 Picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone, very puzzled, asked why it looked like UFC 218 was having trouble selling tickets when on paper it was a pretty good card. To me, it's not so complicated. The UFC has barely promoted the event at all. Instead we've gotten to hear all about Dana White is so excited to get into promoting boxing, right on the heels of him lashing out at Colin Cowherd for suggesting his fire for MMA was waning. I can't come up with a single MMA fan much interested in having boxing associated with the UFC but he has always deep down been a frustrated wannabe boxing promoter, in the same way that Conor McGregor turned to MMA after failing at amateur boxing.<br />
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Some people will say that the ridiculous antics of a guy like Colby Covington are therefore justified because you need to make a name for yourself. Heck no. The job of the promotion is literally to promote you. There are ways in which you can help yourself, for sure. I'll probably talk more about that before UFC 219. But the primary job of the fighter is to show up and fight. With the Ali Act Expansion hearings ongoing the UFC could find itself in a spot where their only job really will be to promote their cards if they actually want to make any money. Wasn't the point of WME coming in as the new owners that they would have the muscle in the industry to really market their product? It's almost as though they have no idea what the fuck they are doing.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Max Holloway vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Jose Aldo</u></b><br />
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Aldo steps in on short notice for the injured Frankie Edgar although he was already training for a fight against Ricardo Lamas so he should not be lacking fitness. In the first fight he lacked his signature kicks, allegedly as a result of an injury. He had success early in that fight and with a full arsenal would look to build on that.<br />
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I don't think it will happen for him though. Once Holloway figured out the gameplan, he took over in Round 2 and finished it in Round 3. I think kicks or not, the same will happen this time - maybe even faster with it being a rematch. Maybe even faster than fast with Aldo almost missing weight and his known difficulties with conditioning.<br />
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Holloway is supremely skilled and will take some beating. That's why it was so frustrating that he edid not call Conor McGregor out after he won the title. Why? What does he have to lose? We know he has no problem with call outs after his cringeworthy "Jose Waldo" speech. Perhaps he's scared? Only he can prove that theory wrong.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Alistair Overeem vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Francis Ngannou</u></b><br />
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The UFC invented an arbitrary measure this week to prove that Francis Ngannou is the hardest puncher in the promotion or some such nonsense. The truth is that it's very difficult to tell how good he actually is because every guy he has fought so far is the scrubbiest of scrub imaginable. His signature win is an early stoppage TKO of Andrei Arlovski who had been finished by knockout or strikes in brutal fashion three straight times.<br />
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What is also true though is that he is a massive Heavyweight with explosive athleticism and power. There's not much left to say about Overeem, one of the most accomplished and experienced kickboxer turned Mixed Martial Artists to ever live. Although he is in the twilight of his career he is still eager for fights and has not mentioned retirement so his focus is clear.<br />
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Alistair returned to his old nickname of 'The Demoliton Man' for this fight. Not nearly as funky as "The Reem" but certainly a statement of intent. My heart says Overeem is too wily in a three round fight and schools this young pretender. But my head says his chin looked weak in his last fight against Werdum and all it takes is one against this powerhouse.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Henry Cejudo vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Sergio Pettis</u></b><br />
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Both of these guys have improved a lot over the course of the last year and a half. I still don't believe either is close to Demetrious Johnson but for now this is a good test and would be a good showcase if the UFC would have promoted this card at all.<br />
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At this point, I think Cejudo is further along as far as his complete game goes. He can control the pace with his wrestling and has the power to stand with Pettis without fear. I expect him to win by decision which should put him at the front of the queue for a rematch with the champion.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Eddie Alvarez vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Justin Gaethje</u></b><br />
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This fight, just based on the hype alone from fans ought to be the co-main event - what better way to get you amped for a title fight then all out brawl? Alvarez promises that's his 'game plan' going into this while Gaethje only fights at one speed - furious.<br />
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I didn't watch TUF this season, or any season for that matter, so I don't know how these two have interacted. Of course, as a veteran of 'the Bachelor' series I well know that all the interactions are phoney anyway so when Justin Buchholz saunters up to Duane Ludwig and mutters something about betrayal and so on it's because a producer told him to.<br />
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The dos Anjos fight aside, Eddie's run in the UFC has not actually been superbly impressive. He was dominated by Donald Cerrone and Conor McGregor. His bouts against Gilbert Melendez and Anthony Pettis in fights that were expected to be wild scuffles like this one but somewhat fizzled. I think this bout will more resemble his last one against Poirier though. That time both guys hurt each while swinging for the fences.<br />
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There's a certain mystique about unbeaten fighters with double digit wins but if there's any of them who look fallible it would certainly be Justin Gaethje. Fighting with reckless abandon he'll surely eventually fall, a victim of his own desire for contact. I think at this point in time though, the tread on him is less than that of Alvarez and he edges the most anticipated scrap of the night.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Tecia Torres vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[6]</span> Michelle Waterson</u></b><br />
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Michelle Waterson (Or 'Michell' apparently) follows in the footsteps of UFC superstar CM Punk by currently appearing on The Challenge: Champs vs Stars. Filming was in August so it shouldn't have interfered at all with her camp for this fight but I don't think that will make a big difference.<br />
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Tecia Torres is an expert game planner very adept at winning fights on points. She earned her first ever career finish in her last bout against Juliana Lima. Her only loss is against the new champion Rose Namajunas in a fight I thought was far closer than the unanimous decision that was awarded. Considering she also holds an earlier win over Rose, a win here would give her a good case for a title shot.<br />
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Waterson is undersized for the division - it didn't show in her main event against Paige VanZant who she was able to drag to the ground and put away early but it proved a huge disadvantage against Namajunas in April. Torres is short but very strong and I think will not be taken down easily. I expect Torres to have just enough to grind out a close decision.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Holloway, Ngannou, Cejudo, Gaethje, Torres<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> TBA<br />
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<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5824170649950274265.post-78198837359596290672017-11-04T02:21:00.000-07:002017-11-04T02:21:41.857-07:00UFC 217 Picks & the Health of the CompanyUFC 217 is finally here with very limited fanfare to follow it. It has been terribly promoted by everyone involved, even the fighters. It's almost as though WME has no fucking idea what they're doing with this company. There's something I've had in my mind for a while now, an idea that has started to pick up steam lately as the reality of the situation begins to dawn on people: the over-promotion of Conor McGregor has severely damaged the brand of the UFC and reputation of the sport of a whole.<br />
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Michael Bisping was on the Herd last week to promote UFC 217 and of course our friend Colin Cowherd wanted to talk about McGregor to which Bisping replied in an exasperated tone, "Conor, Conor, Conor!" It's my feeling too and I apologize in advance for what's about to transpire but this is important.<br />
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Before anyone ever knew who Conor and Ronda Rousey were, the PPV King of MMA was UFC 217's headliner Georges St-Pierre. He wasn't a dynamic personality, he wasn't a trash talker spewing myriad lines of bullshit. He wasn't even particularly exciting to watch all of the time. He was just a highly talented and intelligent fighter whose excellence created an aura and star quality organically.<br />
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As long as the product remains first and foremost about competition, you will always have a steady stream of that sort of attraction. It's treated as a real sport and the fact someone has developed into an elite fighter is the most important factor; everything else is just an added bonus.<br />
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It ain't that anymore. Some people want to tie Ronda Rousey's over-promotion to the decline of the UFC. I don't think that was it. More often than not, she was booked as a supporting act for Chris Weidman. The last two PPV's she headlined as the champion the notoriety she built as a female novelty allowed the UFC to enter new markets. The current problems in the Women's Bantamweight division stem from a lack of depth and a lack of fights being booked.<br />
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As an aside I think the UFC should definitely fold up the Women's Featherweight division and consider doing away with Bantamweight. Most, if not all of the more popular Bantamweights could make 125lbs anyway. The two big stars who made those divisions seem like relevant women's divisions in Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey are gone now. Honestly, I even think they were the only reason people were ever interested in Cyborg, whose record I find unappreciatedly padded.<br />
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The beginning of the end really started when Conor McGregor was granted an immediate rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 200. People look back on that (UFC 202 as it eventually became) and think landmark event, they think Fight of the Year. I think of it as a circus freak show that severely damaged the integrity of the matchmaking.<br />
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The failure to book a title defense for McGregor despite a catalogue of eligible challengers left the Featherweight division in limbo. Scrambling to create Interim title bouts when the Champion was fit and healthy and ready to defend rendered all Interim belt meaningless. Gifting McGregor an undeserved Lightweight title shot on a one fight win streak so he could make fake history compromised the integrity of the competition and the significance of winning a championship.<br />
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Allowing McGregor to box Floyd Mayweather Jr marked the apex of the short term gain they experienced. It made one man definitively bigger than the sport. While Dana White's question "What makes one a star" is well taken, there is a way to handle them. Promoting him at the expense of everyone else involved with the company changed the expectations of the consumers.<br />
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Three of the last three PPV cards have turned in atrocious numbers. UFC 213, 215 and 216 between them failed to cracked 400,000 buys. The casual fan catered to by McGregor does not care if it's not a superfight. If the participants don't act like lunatics at the press conference, it's not worth talking about for them. Great fighters who don't talk trash are disregarded as unmarketable. What's the point of putting them in big fights?<br />
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I don't expect this card to do as well as the UFC is hoping. It didn't help that Dana White has spent years lambasting GSP's state of mind. As it stands, we are on the lookout for McGregor vs Ferguson to headline the year end show at UFC 219 which will help them end 2017 on a high. 2018 will be a very important year for the future of the UFC. The next TV deal they sign will be very telling. My feeling is that FOX aligns well with their brand, or at least what they ought to be aiming for. they should not under any circumstances sign with the dying yet still somehow reputable ESPN. We'll see where they go from here.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Michael Bisping vs Georges St-Pierre</u></b><br />
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Middleweight champion Michael Bisping has been out of the cage for over a year and has done a masterful job in the meantime of avoiding any of the top contenders in the division. I'd be a lot harder on him if he weren't a fellow Manchester United fan but since he's one of our own I'm backing.<br />
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Former welterweight GSP returns to the sport for unknown reasons. The feeling seems to be that if retired life (I know he didn't technically retire, but for all intents and purposes) was everything he had been hoping for he would not be back after so long a hiatus, much like Gina Carano. Instead he falls into the cliche of fighters looking for 'one ore fight'. The UFC hopes St-Pierre can recapture his history as a huge PPV draw. I think the new crowd attracted by the Rondas and Conors and the Jon Jones-DC feud for the most part have no idea who he is.<br />
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I think the matchup favors Bisping in a big way. The last time GSP fought was against Johny Hendricks, nowadays a tiny Middleweight but at welterweight massive compared to "Rush". Bisping is a solid Middleweight who used to fight at Light Heavyweight. I think the size difference will be stark, almost akin to how shocking the difference was between Darren Till and Donald Cerrone.<br />
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Takedowns are GSP's bread and butter but I think he'll find them very difficult to complete against Bisping, renowned for his very good takedown defense in the last few years. I think he'll also have trouble getting inside with his striking with his size difference and unlike what he is used to, he will not a cardio advantage. Of course we're unsure of what he may have added to his arsenal in the past four years. But for now I see a win by decision for Bisping, likely followed by some lusty booing.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Cody Garbrandt vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> TJ Dillashaw</u></b><br />
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This is a pretty tough fight to call and probably the mostly highly anticipated on the card as well for various reasons. I know the general story behind the Team Alpha Male vs TJ feud but don't really follow most of the drama out of the cage.<br />
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I didn't watch TUF except for like two minutes when I was waiting for something else. It was top Asian Justin Buchholz squaring off against Duane Ludwig trying to act tough and give him grief about prising TJ away. At that point I vowed to never watch another second of non-all-female TUF because the scenario is completely goddamn fake - those two cornered TJ together for his first fight at Team Elevation against Dominick Cruz! So I don't know how much to believe anything that anyone says in this squabble.<br />
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There seems to be turmoil in both camps with news this week that Buchholz is no longer head coach at Team Alpha male and he seems disgruntled about it. Also, MusclePharm is shifting operations away from Colorado leaving Team Elevation in semi-limbo. To me those are off-setting penalties.<br />
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In terms of style, Dillashaw is very similar to Dominick Cruz which is one of the things that made their bout so fascinating. Garbrandt however unexpectedly outclassed one of the all-time greats and I believe is well set to do so again, already having intimate knowledge of Dillashaw's techniques. TJ hits a bit harder than Cruz so if Garbrandt slows down in the fifth round again he may get caught. With so much on the line though, I think he will remain focused and defend his title.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [4]</span> Rose Namajunas</u></b><br />
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There was some grumbling this week from the more socially-minded MMA fans about Joanna's taunts regarding the mental state of "Thug" Rose. Awkward for me because I've also questioned it. There's no need to rehash all of it. Some of Joanna's gopnik-y pre-fight antics have become very tiresome but I certainly don't think the title shot for Rose is earned. This however is what you get when you want to run a women's division but then don't book enough women's fights.<br />
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Namajunas looked impressive in her last outing against Michelle Waterson but the size difference between her and the former atomweight was astonishing. "The Karate Hottie" couldn't find her way inside the lanky Rose and walked into repeated power shots.<br />
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there will be no such advantage against a larger strawweight like Joanna. I think the difference in skill and experience on the feet will be vast. When you consider that Rose already fought Karolina Kowalkiewicz, an inferior clone of Joanna and got outworked and outmuscled in the clinch and knocked down, I think there is a real possibility she will get finished.<br />
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To me her best chance in this fight is to pull guard and work for a submission standing or from the bottom. Contrary to what it appeared before her last fight though, we now know that training at American Top Team has improved Joanna's game immeasurably. I can't imagine she wouldn't be ready for some of those types of tricks. Joanna to win and you know that at least one of these will be wrong because there is no way all three champions are keeping their titles.<br />
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One other thing. Brett Okamoto, another top Asian, wrote an article this week about potential future stars and listed Rose as one them. She certainly has her selling points - Her ability to finish is noted by Brett and her spiky attitude is also well suited to the current environment. I don't think she will ever truly break through until she grows her hair back. It sounds superficial but I absolutely believe it to be true. There's a girl at my gym who looks just liek Rose except she has the long blonde hair and the difference is stark. As much as weepy media types whine about the UFC's treatment of athletes, sometimes these people have to help themselves too.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Stephen Thompson vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[4]</span> Jorge Masvidal</u></b><br />
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When Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia turned in the blight of the night at UFC 214, there were a whole bunch of folks who said that Jorge Masvidal would have made him fight which just absolutely tickled me. I'm convinced at this point that the only Masvidal fight any of these people have ever seen is the one against Donald Cerrone.<br />
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Thompson vs Masvidal sounds great on paper but both of these guys can be extremely cautious. I have a suspicion that you're going to get a whole lot of feinting and dancing around in this fight. "Wonderboy's" movement is very difficult to replicate and makes it very hard to pressure.<br />
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If Masvidal can catch a kick or get close enough to clinch I think that is a good path to a dominating win for him. That will be a very arfuous task though and I could well see a split decision, which he is usually on the wrong end of.<br />
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<b><u>Johny Hendricks vs Paulo Costa</u></b><br />
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This is way too easy, it almost seems like a trap. Hendricks is a shadow of the fighter he was at UFC 167 when he lost a contentious split decision to headliner Georges St-Pierre. People sometimes deride Jeremy Stephens for his lack of knockouts despite his fearsome reputation but "Big Rigg" has not so much as even dazed anyone in over four years.<br />
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"Borrachinha" is a rising star, handsome, with a string of highlight reel knockout wins over lesser competition. Hendricks is a big name but doesn't seem like a threat on the feet. He is however still a very accomplished wrestler, something Costa has never faced before. Can he stop a takedown or escape the clinch? Against a fat welterweight, I'm inclinced to think 'yes' but it will be an interesting test for the prospect.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Bisping, Garbrandt, Jedrzejczyk, Thompson, Costa<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> St--Pierre, Garbrandt, Jedrzejczyk, Masvidal, Costa<br />
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I had some sports musings that I was going to include in my UFC 217 picks column but it got really long really fast just by itself so I decided to forego them. However, within a matter of days three very similar stories with varying degrees of severity popped up and I felt like throwing in my opinion for whatever it's worth. So I decided to create an entirely new feature, the Yamanose Sports Ledger, a general sports column. I'll probably never do a second edition of YSL but it's here if I need it!<br />
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When people are offended now, it can be difficult to judge whether or not the outrage is justified. Clay Travis often says that social media is a funhouse mirror that distorts reality. "Sides" such as they are become polarized and people becoming entirely incapable of debating issues rationally; Everything is either classified as a world ending indignation or the wailing of whimpering snowflakes with no in-between.<br />
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Of course, the truth is that everything should be judged on a case-by-case basis and all of reality exists on a scale - a concept those who are especially gender-conscious ought to already be intimately familiar with but often actually aren't. I feel like I'm a very reasonable, moderate person so I'm happy to serve as the arbiter and rank three offensive acts in order of least to most concerning.<br />
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Analysis after the jump<br />
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<b><u>3) Bob McNair</u></b><br />
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Racial inequality is a hot button issue in the NFL lately with the dumb kneeling protest resulting in certain athletes and ESPN pundits comparing the plight of NFL players to those of 19th century slaves. Which is patently absurd but that's a whole other thing.<br />
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Cue Houston Texans owner Bob McNair apparently saying during a closed-door meeting with other NFL executives and players, "We can't have the inmates running the prison" in apparent reference to the protest. Needless to say that didn't go over well.<br />
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After push back from Troy Vincent, McNair realized his mistake and apologized. Once outed, presumably by the players, he issued a public apology, describing the quote as a figure of speech. Funny, I always thought the phrase was about inmates running the asylum rather than the prison with does have certain connotations.<br />
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His players with the Texans predictably chose to protest (by kneeling which... makes it completely indistinguishable from the normal protest and essentially meaningless) though I don't know what they are hoping to achieve. I don't know if Bob McNair is a racist and I don't know what's in his heart. However I really don't think this is a big of a deal as it's being made and of these three issues this is definitely the most talked about what with NFL being the number one sport and racism the number one virtue signalling post.<br />
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I believe him when he says it is a figure of speech. Of course he did not literally mean that the NFL is a prison and the players are incarcerated. I do think he looks down on his players but here's the thing, what I really believe. It's not a black-white thing. It's a Big Rich Boss vs lowly employees thing. He has the power so he likely sees all beneath him as lesser.<br />
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Perhaps it's revealing of his character. I would also say though from years of observance more often than not, players are morons who don't understand how the business behind their product works. You really <i>can't</i> have them dictating policy. This story is being framed all wrong. Bob McNair is being accused of issuing a racist dog whistle. As usual, the ones whistling are the scandalized sports analysts.<br />
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<b><u>2) Yuli Gurriel</u></b><br />
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So during Game 3 of the World Series Yu Darvish, the half-Japanese pitcher for the LA Dodgers turned in a stinker, giving up multiple big hits including a home run to Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel.<br />
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Gurriel returned to the dugout and, during banter with team mates, mocked Darvish with a slanty-eyed Asian gesture. You know the one, no need to describe it further. This was caught on camera along with what appeared to be Gurriel using the word "chinito", a derogatory catch-all term for East-Asians.<br />
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He's far from the first. Miley Cyrus is probably the most famous offender. Many, including whoever makes Snapchat filters evidently don't think it's a big deal. I'm probably just generally desensitized. When I saw this, far more than being angered or upset my feeling was "Well jeez, of course people are still this stupid." But I thought Mina Kimes had a very good take on this kind of thing:<br />
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is there anything more predictable than people who aren't affected by certain words and gestures explaining why they aren't offensive</div>
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/minakimes/status/924379796867387392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It's something well worthy thinking about. Rather than demanding someone not be offended, instead seek reason from all involved. Darvish was aware of what happened while the game was still going on, gesturing animatedly with his teammates but after the game, he emerged with a very classy and measured response:<br />
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<a href="https://t.co/2e2JJLg821">pic.twitter.com/2e2JJLg821</a></div>
— ダルビッシュ有(Yu Darvish) (@faridyu) <a href="https://twitter.com/faridyu/status/924146590893436928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It's a major reason why this is only a medium for me. If Yu Darvish, the target of the offense can forgive then so should we all. Again, we don't know what is in Yuli Gurriel's heart and hopefully he can learn from it. Hopefully it can be a teaching moment for many though so many online are entrenched in defending extreme positions.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>1) Some Guy I've Never Heard Of</u></b><br />
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Here we get to the heart of my feelings on this subject. Here's a mantra for you: <b>Intent Matters</b>. Bob McNair made a statement which could easily be taken the wrong way but I don't think he intended to be racist. I think he's 'just' oblivious. I don't think Yuli Gurriel intended to demean all Asian people. I think the adrenaline is flowing and he's probably just a moron trying to give his friends on the team cheap laughs.<br />
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The guy in Story Three on the other hand? He's just a complete cunt.<br />
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So Some Guy I've Never Heard Of was fighting Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 119 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Of course, I've Never Heard Of this guy and no one cares about him but allegedly he has been talking a ton of trash in the lead up to this, claiming he'll knock out Maia which is silly because this Guy I've Never Heard Of is a textbook Dreaded Points Fighter who never finishes anyone and always goes to decision.<br />
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Anyhow, SGINHO wins by, shock, surprise, decision and proceeds in his post-fight interview to call Brazil "a dump" and the Brazilian fans "filthy animals" while egged on by Daniel Cormier who by the way turned in an insufferable performance on color commentary but that's a whole other story. He then has to be hurried out of the stadium by security and skips the post-event press conference presumably because the UFC is smuggling him back to Florida before he is murdered by the PCC.<br />
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I was going to talk about this in my UFC 217 preview but instead we'll get to it right now because it's relevant. Because of the notoriety (heh) that Conor McGregor has attained with his promotional antics, everyone now thinks they have to be a loudmouth in order to get attention. The problem is, most of them are really fucking terrible at it.<br />
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I've seen some people comparing SGINHO to Chael Sonnen based on how they are both power wrestlers who can't strike and talk a lot of crap, especially about Brazil. First of all, and this is something that never occurs to the people who make these kinds of comparisons, <i>that doesn't mean Chael Sonnen is good</i>! Secondly, Chael has charm and wit about him. SGINHO is just a black hole of charisma. Thirdly, Chael was never fucking dumb enough to say any of that stuff in a stadium full of angry Brazilians. Time and place, man.<br />
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McGregor plays the villain in lead-up but once the fight is over he always shows a reasonable level of respect and appreciation for his opponent and fans. SGINHO, who knows what's in his heart (again) but he sure never shows any of the humility that might make you think he would be a tolerable person to occasionally be around.<br />
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I understand trying to promote the fight. I understand trying to promote yourself. But when the fight is over and you're still being a complete cunt it leads me to believe that yeah, you're a complete cunt. How about taking a leaf out of your buddy Jorge Masvidal's book. It's fun to say before the fight you show up in all black because you're attending a funeral for Demian Maia's career but once it's over, react with grace, seek him out and make your peace. Obviously SGINHO is not a coward in terms of of his readiness to fight but as far as his willingness to stand up and be held accountable? Cowardly cunt.<br />
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This Guy I've never Heard Of has a very strong base of skills and room for improvement that could allow him to develop into an elite fighter. But as long as continues acting like a cunt, I won't be rushing to a TV set to watch as much because he is really boring to watch. If his goal is to increase his name value, it's not doing much for me.<br />
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One more thing.<br />
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As usual you have gangs of idiots fighting each other about whether you should be super offended or not about this. My main takeaway of course is not that you should be offended but rather you should think this guy is a cunt. One of the main arguments made by those who are triggered by people being triggered by SGINHO is that Brazilian fans are notoriously raucous and chant "Uh Vai Morrer" ie "You're Going to Die" and so on.<br />
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This is a really fucking stupid argument. It's understood that they're not <i>actually</i> threatening you with death - it is, to come full circle, a figure of speech. Fan is short for fanatic and they're trying to create an atmosphere. You, the athlete are supposed to be the professional one. I'm not so into some of the silly stuff that goes on when fans (in general) try and tear people or opposing teams down more than supporting their own but maybe more about that some other time. You all can do better.<br />
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The writer Dan McLaughlin has a good mantra for dealing with social media - every time before you log on, tell yourself "They can both be wrong". My enjoyment of the NFL was definitely dampened in week three by the mass protest or rather, as it was spun "display of unity". I can certainly understand where their anger came from. <br />
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As LeSean McCoy put so succinctly, the President is an asshole. But let's beclear,the protest and all connected protests are stupid. No one even knows what they're about and everyone involved is doing a piss poor job of explaining it. The condescending and judgmental attitudes of those who support the displays of petulance and #resistance is utterly repellent. I don't even want to talk about ti anymore.<br />
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As the culture war rages, those weary or at least myself seek to retreat and find a leisurely respite from entirely fabricated controversies and other weighty issues presented without context or balance. All too often popular media is used as a vehicle to push some kind of agenda. Worthy or not I won't be the judge here. Sports appears to be the next battleground. Seized upon by people who appear to not even much like sports perhaps in resentment of those who do, overwhelmingly traditional and conservative in outlook. If that's off the table, where can we find peace?<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Used to spend every Sunday of 🏈 season glued to the couch. Stopped after Kap. Today I went to 💒, strolled w fam & read. Much more enriching!</div>
— ☩ Faith J Goldy 🇨🇦 (@FaithGoldy) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaithGoldy/status/909584604461445120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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One of the things that has always struck me about MMA is how many of the fighters make sure to thank God after they've won. We saw last week in the NFL, although many players are also deeply religious, they can find grace in their teammates. A strong leader oe voice in the locker room can convince you of all sorts of powerful things. What of the solo athlete? What of the fighter? <br />
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Achieving greatness as an athlete requires an enormous amount of will and self-determination. To enter an arena and compete and shut out everyone else around bar yourself and your opponent requires courage in spirit and of your convictions. Sports where you have a chance of being severely injured or worse such as combat sports and race car driving. To succeed there you need faith - in yourself and perhaps also in a higher power, one that guides you, sets a path for you to climb and protects you from harm. <br />
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A lot of people like to make snarky comments about the statements they make thanking Jesus Christ and so on. But why? I've never been particularly religious but I'm starting to understand the meaning prayer holds for people. It's an act of giving in mind and spirit and in an environment where increasingly people are encouraged to take , to cast themselves as victims, it holds reassurance. If you can find peace in it, I'm happy for you.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Tony Ferguson vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[7]</span> Kevin Lee</b></u><br />
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Tony Ferguson finally makes his return to the cage at UFC 216 to fight for the Interim Lightweight Title. It's really unnecessary for a belt to be contested - Interim belts are just marketing gimmicks and not to be taken seriously because if you reach a point at which you feel one is really needed you probably just ought to strip the champion. It was even less called for the alst time Ferguson was booked in an interim title fight at UFC 209 in March which already had a legitimate title bout at the top of the card.<br />
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That time his opponent Khabib Nurmagomedov fell off after succumbing to illness while attempting to cut weight. Disaster almost struck again here with underdog Kevin Lee seeming to mismanage his cut, at first failing to make weight and then finally returning successfully with mere minutes to spare later on. He was supposedly at 174 lbs the day before, almost 20lbs over the Lightweight limit. <br />
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Lee's depletion makes it very difficult to forecast anything other a Ferguson win. Without the basic advantage of health he is already a nightmare match-up for anyone in the division, a slick and highly talented boxer with creative movement and dangerously smooth submissions. His length also negates one of the advantages Lee typically carries into fights.<br />
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Lee is a highly intriguing prospect with qualities that could make him a future champion. It's unfortunate that he has been allowed to jump the queue as a result of his trash talk which a) is not what I use to take the measure of a fighter and b) is not even that good to begin with. I find his act very forced and unappealing. He is skilled enough to allow his fighting to do most of the talking for him. His grappling is high level and I don't think he ought to fear Ferguson on the ground (though he should of course be extremely wary). His striking is still a work in progress and I think he will be outclassed here. Many people note that he seems chinny but he also has great recoverability so I don't think it will be a fast KO for "El Cucuy" by any means but I do think this comes too soon for Kevin Lee.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Demetrious Johnson vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [3]</span> Ray Borg</b></u><br />
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I wrote a preview for this last month but of course it got scrapped because Ray Borg failed to show up. Allegedly not due to a bad weight cut but Borg suspiciously decided to immediately stop working with nutritionist Mike Dolce. I could recycle that or I have a feeling I will be writing something very similar for one fight at UFC 217 so I could bring that forward. <br />
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There's no need to overcomplicate this though. I don't see any area where Ray Borg can stay competitive with Demetrious Johnson, especially not over five rounds. He is boasting that he will submit him but "Mighty Mouse's" last challenger Wilson Reis is a BJJ Black Belt and got toyed with. I think DJ wins and takes the record for consecutive title defenses. I don't think it makes him the GOAT because the opposition just hasn't been all that memorable compared to other lobg time champions but that certainly shouldn't diminish his accomplihsments.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Fabricio Werdum vs<span style="color: #38761d;"> [6]</span> Derrick Lewis</b></u><br />
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Both Werdum and Lewis enter this bout on the back of losses, Lewis getting KO'd on an away day to Mark Hunt but at least the way I scored it, I had Werdum winning at UFC 213 against Alistair Overeem. I think this will mostly be contested on the feet as while Werdum would love to take the fight to the ground where he has a large advantage, opportunities to take Lewis down will be limited and once he's down he can be difficult to keep down, as huge as he is.<br />
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Lewis swings with power but is slow and not well conditioned. In terms of overall technique I think Werdum has much better tools to work with including a grinding clinch to wear down "The Black Beast" and a clean jab to keep him at bay and earn a decision.<br />
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<u><b>Mara Romero Borella vs Kalindra Faria</b></u><br />
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Or rather Who? vs Who? This fight was originally meant to be Paige VanZant vs Jessica Eye, a Flyweight debut for both. Paige was compelled to move up in weight as she hinted at in the past, she cut from a long way up and it was a very bad struggle for her. She was knocked out of her bout by a back injury, a really, really bad sign for her career as a fighter because she has had back issues before. <br />
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That was two weeks ago. Immediately, Andrea Lee was booked as a replacement against Kalindra Faria. The rationale is nakedly obvious. While she's not as much my type as some of the other women on the roster, Andrea Lee is very much an appealing pretty girl, charismatic and marketable like VanZant. With TUF 26 being contested and a Flyweight champion soon to be crowned, it seems to me like Paige & Andrea were being positioned for a title shot. Put their face on a poster and they sell and if they happen to win, voila! Pretty blonde champion. <br />
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Unfortunately Andrea Lee was pulled as she has to enter a mandatory testing period with USADA as a result of a previous failure. Incredibly, she absolved the UFC of blame for this error in booking her as they apparently didn't know what ultimately amounts to THEIR OWN FREAKING RULE. I just don't get it. Does the left hand not tell the right what it's doing? <br />
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For some unknown reason, UFC brass decided to keep Faria on the main card and book her against another debuting fighter, Mara Romero. Romero won recently against former UFC bantamweight Milana Dudieva and trains at American Top Team with Amanda Nunes and Faria's last opponent and nemesis, Carina Damm. She is relatively tall and could work a nice jab but really there's nothing I see that really stands out.<br />
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Faria is an aggressive fighter but has failed to beat pretty much everyone that rises above the level of "local fighter" including defeats to Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Jessica Aguilar. She has a little more experience than her opponent but looks to be a bit smaller. I don't think there's much in this fight and don't really see either one going far in terms of the championship hunt but I think Faria's style will looks a bit better for judges and ultimately earn her a win here.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[12]</span> Beneil Dariush vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[14]</span> Evan Dunham</b></u><br />
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This seems like an odd fight to me to be kicking off the main card with as usually they try and book something high octane for that spot. Maybe it's a sign of how lacking the rest of the card is. Both Beneil Dariush and perennial prelimer Dunham employ pressure based tactics but Dariush can be cautious with his output and Dunham stings like a butterfly with his hands. Both guys are strong on the ground, Dariush's reputation in particular precedes him but I don't think you'll necessarily see much action there. If there's grappling to be done I see it being all clinching against the fence.<br />
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This is a real tough one to call. Both guys can turn it on when they want to but my fear is there will be too much of a healthy respect and caution in their approach. With southpaw facing southpaw the leg kicks of Dariush will be a little more awkward to land. Dunham has great fight IQ, lies outrageously about not watching tape of his opponents and is very adept at grinding out decisions but I think Dariush is more talented, in better physical condition and I have a feeling he will take the front foot so I lean his way here.<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Ferguson, Johnson, Werdum, Faria, Dariush<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Lee, Borg, Werdum, Faria, Dunham<br />
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UFC 215 lost a lot of its appeal with the loss of the main event due to an illness supposedly not related to weight cutting. Kevin Lee came out yesterday, and it's a sentiment shared by many others, that the UFC needs to add weight classes to eliminate weight cutting. I am here to tell you that is absolute nonsense. If you add weight classes there would be more weight cutting, not less. You'd have some 190lb half-wit who fights at 170lbs because who wasn't quite able to make it to 155lbs who would then attempt to make 165lbs. Furthermore no one forces you to cut weight. The challenger in the new main event tonight in fact cuts no weight and she's able to have success. So what's your excuse, Kevin?<br />
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The NFL regular season kicks off tonight. I haven't followed off-season news as closely as years past so I'm less blithely confident in these predictions as usual but why not try? My main takeaway is that even though the Patriots lost their home opener, a very rare occurrence for a defending champ, they're a team that tends to get stronger as the season goes along and by the end they will be peaking and the most likely champions once again.<br />
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I think the Cowboys are due some karmic regression. Funny how everyone has flip-flopped their opinion on alleged domestic violence given the opportunity to rag on Roger Goodell. Mike Lombardi has long been one of the biggest blowhards in NFL media, not an uncommon approach for a former 'football person' but most of them are mercifully not taken very seriously whereas Lombardi is given a platform on the Ringer for his biased, near-sighted drivel where he does a podcast with an awestruck intern. He is on some sort of crusade lately against Doug Pederson of the Eagles, saying he's not qualified to be a head coach, as opposed to say for example <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81cba03b/article/mcdaniels-paid-price-for-broncos-lack-of-commitment-to-change" target="_blank">Josh McDaniels</a>. He is frequently made to look very silly and I think the Eagles are due and will soar again.<br />
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The rest of the Playoffs I envision being composed of the usual suspects though. The Packers meet the Seahawks on Sunday opening week and I believe they'll rematch for the conference title as the two most dominant teams in the NFC. I also like the S̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶i̶e̶g̶o̶ Los Angeles Chargers but that's probably mostly because they have an Asian kicker now. We'll see how long that lasts.<br />
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Picks after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[C]</span> Amanda Nunes vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[1]</span> Valentina Shevchenko</b></u><br />
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This bout was supposed to headline International Fight Week at UFC 213 in July but Nunes pulled out the day of with severe sinusitis. For what it's worth I believe she was genuinely ill and in no condition to get punched in the head. Sometimes it is very acute and appears out of nowhere but that doesn't sound like the case here. It's something she has battled with before and was already suffering during her weight cut and therein lies the frustration. <br />
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It's all very well for her partner Nina Ansaroff to jump in this week and whine about the money situation and how it is not worth it to fight at 50% and lost the belt but to withdraw at literally the eleventh hour really leaves everyone in the lurch and Nunes will have to accept that rebulding her equity with the fans and the company is a necessary process. I think back to the buildup to UFC 207 when Ronda Rousey pettily refused to do any media and the option was given to Amanda Nunes to do the same if she wished. She also decided to do no media and I thought it was a huge opportunity lost not to build her brand ahead of the biggest fight of her career. It all suggests to me that maybe she doesn't quite "get it" - I say that even as someone who finds some of the theatrics pulled by the Colby Covingtons of the world distasteful. <br />
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My analysis has not changed since UFC 213. If anything I feel affirmed because we know that if Nunes does not feel up to it, she won't bother. She will be extra motivated, impose her massive size and weight advantage and continue her early finish streak against future Women's Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[6]</span> Neil Magny vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[10]</span> Rafael Dos Anjos</b></u><br />
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Neil Magny was a popular call out target for victorious welterweights after his victory over a decrepit and overweight Johny Hendricks at the end of last year which led to his over-inflated ranking of #5. Magny is a good and very tenacious fighter but has many holes in his defense and if you're someone who believes in your skill you should believe you can post a dominant win over him. <br />
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In his debut at 170 lbs, former Lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos was matched against defensive expert Tarec Saffiedine and won a clear decision where I believe he showed his potential to be a threat in this division. Hidden away on a Singapore Fight Pass card I suspect matchmakers were unsure of how the transition would be but a win over Magny would give him a clear path to a title shot and I believe he can win in every area of this fight. Watch for Dos Anjos to throw a lot of kicks, particularly to the legs setting him up to seek a finish. Magny is tough and well conditioned but I don't foresee any controversy at the end of this one.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> Henry Cejudo vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[5]</span> Wilson Reis</b></u><br />
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This fight was promoted to the main card after the main event of Demetrious Johnson vs Ray Borg was canceled as a result of Borg's illness. It's a battle of two vanquished title challengers struggling for relevance in the Flyweight division. Having said that, I think Cejudo was robbed of a decision in his last fight against Joseph Benavidez. While the fight was close enough to cause doubt in some minds, the first round unquestionably belonged to Cejudo. One judge however, the frequently unreliable Glenn Trowbridge, scored it for Benavidez.<br />
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Cejudo's credentials as a Olympic gold medal winning wrestler are known but in that outing he showed that his striking has improved several levels also. Reis, somewhat similar to Ray Borg, is a guy who got elevated to a title shot more because everyone else already got beaten than his own achievements. Ultimately even as a BJJ black belt he was out-grappled and submitted by the champ. I think Cejudo is a more talented fighter and wins in every area of the fight. <br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[10]</span> Ilir Latifi vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[13]</span> Tyson Pedro</b></u><br />
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With Junior Dos Santos vs Francis Ngannou pulled from the card, Tyson Pedro is given a stage on which to shine with Ilir Latifi serving as gatekeeper. Physically, this fight bears striking resemblance to Jones-Cormier, Latifi shorter but much thicker than the average Light Heavyweight while the Australian Pedro is tall and rangey. He has a lot of potential and killer instinct. After showing holes in his game on his UFC debut against Khalil Rountree, Pedro made short work of Paul Craig in his first international bout.<br />
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Latifi's last outing ended in a devastating knockout courtesy of Ryan Bader's knee. Sidebar, I bet the UFC is wishing now they would have kept Bader around. That kind of thing can play on your mind the next time you compete, making you conservativeand gun-shy in your performance, especially facing off against a prime finisher. I think that's what we will see and will contribute to a win and still undefeated for Tyson Pedro. I do think his streak of first round finishes comes to an end here though.<br />
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<u><b><span style="color: #38761d;">[8]</span> Jeremy Stephens vs <span style="color: #38761d;">[14]</span> Gilbert Melendez</b></u><br />
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This is a battle between two guys with bigger name than divisional relevance at this point in their careers. Melendez hasn't fought at this weight in over ten years so it will be interesting to see how he makes the transition. Bizarrely, he is ranked at lightweight despite having been unranked when he lost to Edson Barboza in his last fight. In that contest, his legs were brutalized by the Brazilian and I'm sure Jeremy Stephens will look to do the same with the way Dear old Giblert hangs his lead leg out there. The problem is, he is not fast enough to consistently land it. Melendez will be able to return fire and I expect both guys to sling a bunch of heat. This one shouid be good and I don't have a strong lean but I'll go with Gilbert because he is due a win... right?<br />
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<b>I pick:</b> Nunes, Dos Anjos, Cejudo, Pedro, Melendez<br />
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<b>Chris picks:</b> Nunes, Magny, Cejudo, Latifi, Melendez<br />
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<br />jigenzanittouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363160726024596142noreply@blogger.com0